Press Council of India (PCI) Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 3 Group B Vacancies (F.No. 1/6/2020-PCI (Admn.) (Part-III))

The Press Council of India (PCI) has officially released the employment notification (F.No. 1/6/2020-PCI (Admn.) (Part-III)) for the direct recruitment of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts on a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted regular framework.

This recruitment drive follows up on the previous notification cycle and invites offline applications from eligible Indian citizens. The offline application process commenced on 26th September 2026, and candidates must submit their completed application forms to the designated address within 30 days, translating to a closing date of 26th October 2026.

Recruitment Overview Matrix

Feature	Details
Conducting Organization	Press Council of India (PCI)
Advertisement / File Number	F.No. 1/6/2020-PCI (Admn.) (Part-III)
Post Designation	Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
Cadre Classification	Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted
Total Openings	03 Vacancies
Job Location	New Delhi
Application Mode	Offline Only (via prescribed Annexure-I proforma)
Notification Date	22nd September 2026
Employment News Publication	26th September – 2nd October 2026
Offline Application Commencement	26th September 2026
Last Date to Submit Application	26th October 2026 (Within 30 days)
Official Website Portal	presscouncil.nic.in

Important Schedule & Timeline Matrix

Event Description	Official Dates & Timeline
Notification Release Date	22nd September 2026
Start of Offline Application Window	26th September 2026
Closing Date for Offline Applications	26th October 2026
Written Examination & Typing Test Dates	To be notified separately to eligible applicants

Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution Matrix

Category	Available Openings
Unreserved (UR)	02
Other Backward Classes (OBC)	01
Scheduled Caste (SC)	00
Scheduled Tribe (ST)	00
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)	00
Total Openings	03 Posts

Salary Scale & Compensation Structure Matrix

• Pay Scale Structure: Level-6 (Pre-revised PB-2: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 with Grade Pay of ₹4,200/-)
• Approximate Monthly Emoluments: Equivalent to standard Central Government Group ‘B’ pay matrix starting with basic pay corresponding to ₹35,400/- plus admissible allowances (DA, HRA, TA) as per Central Government rules.

Eligibility Criteria & Essential Parameters

1. Age Limit Parameters

• Age Range: 20 to 30 Years
• Crucial Date for Age Calculation: Age will be reckoned with reference to the closing date of application submission (26th October 2026).
• Age Relaxations: Relaxable for reserved categories in accordance with current Government of India guidelines. (Note: Candidates who applied against the previous 18 May 2024 notice and were issued admit cards for the canceled 4 May 2025 exam can apply irrespective of upper age restrictions, provided they quote their previous roll numbers).

2. Educational & Professional Qualifications

• Minimum Academic Standard: Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institute.
• Preferred Qualifications (Desirable): Post Graduate degree, Degree in Law, Degree or Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication, or knowledge of an Indian language other than English and Hindi.
• Computer & Typing Proficiency: Must clear the computer-based typing speed test at 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi.

Selection Process Structure

The multi-tier selection process comprises:

1. Tier-I (Objective Examination): Computer-Based Test (CBT) or OMR-based objective test carrying 200 Marks covering Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
2. Tier-II (Descriptive Paper): Qualifying paper carrying 100 marks (60 minutes duration) evaluating writing ability and critical analysis through Essay, Precis, Letter, or Application writing in English or Hindi. Qualifying cut-off is 65% for UR and 60% for OBC.
3. Computer Typing Test: Practical evaluation of typing speeds (30 wpm English / 25 wpm Hindi).
4. Document Verification & Medical Examination: Final review of original credentials and medical fitness check.

Application Fee Structure

Category of Applicant	Application Fee Amount
General / OBC	₹100/-
SC / ST / Female / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen	Nil / Exempted
Payment Mode: Demand Draft, Cheque in favor of “Secretary, Press Council of India” payable at New Delhi, or via online bank transfer with UTR transaction receipt attached. (Note: Candidates who applied for the earlier cancelled examination are exempt from paying the fee again).

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Offline

1. Download Notification & Proforma: Visit the official website at presscouncil.nic.in to download the detailed notification and the prescribed Bio-Data Application Form (Annexure-I).
2. Fill Application Form: Neatly fill out all mandatory fields in BLOCK LETTERS using black or blue ink, providing accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
3. Attach Supporting Documents: Enclose self-attested photocopies of:
   • Date of Birth proof (Matriculation Certificate)
   • Educational qualification mark sheets and degree certificates
   • Caste / Category certificate (if applicable)
   • Fee payment proof (Demand Draft / Cheque / Online UTR receipt)
   • Self-addressed envelope
4. Super-scribe the Envelope: Pack your application inside an envelope and clearly write on top:“APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT SECTION OFFICER”
5. Postal Dispatch: Send the completed application package via Registered or Speed Post to reach the following address on or before 26th October 2026:
   • Postal Address: The Secretary, Press Council of India, Soochna Bhawan, 8 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.

🔗 Press Council of India Official Website Portal

📄 Download Press Council of India ASO Notification & Application Form PDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to submit offline applications for Press Council of India ASO Recruitment 2026?

A: The last date for receipt of offline applications at the PCI office is 26th October 2026.

Q2: How many total vacancies are announced under this notification?

A: A total of 3 vacancies are advertised (2 for UR and 1 for OBC).

Q3: What is the age limit for the Assistant Section Officer post?

A: Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years of age as on 26th October 2026, with allowable relaxations for reserved categories.

Q4: Is there any application fee required?

A: General and OBC applicants must pay an application fee of ₹100/-, while SC, ST, female, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted.

Q5: What is the salary structure for the ASO post?

A: The post carries a Pay Level-6 scale (Pre-revised PB-2: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 with Grade Pay of ₹4,200/-).