Introduction
The Press Council of India (PCI) has released an official notification for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026, inviting eligible candidates to apply through offline channels. This recruitment drive offers a notable opportunity for individuals seeking a Group B, Non-Gazetted career path within a premier statutory organization in New Delhi. Candidates who fulfill the mandatory educational, age, and skill requirements must submit their physical applications before the final deadline.
PCI ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview
Before proceeding with the application, candidates should review the essential parameters of the recruitment drive. The official notification outlines specific criteria regarding the designation, vacancies, pay scale, and application process.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Organisation Name | Press Council of India (PCI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Vacancies | 3 Posts |
| Post Classification | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
| Pay Scale / Level | Pay Level 6 (Pre-revised Rs. 9,300 – 34,800 with Grade Pay of Rs. 4,200) |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2026 |
| Job Location | New Delhi |
| Official Website | presscouncil.nic.in |
Vacancy Details and Category Distribution
The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 3 Assistant Section Officer positions. The distribution across specific reservation categories is structured to maintain compliance with government guidelines.
- Unreserved (UR): 2 Posts
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 1 Post
- Total Vacancies: 3 Posts
Eligibility Criteria for PCI ASO Posts
Applicants must ensure they meet all educational, computer skill, and age parameters defined by the Press Council of India to avoid disqualification during document verification.
Educational Qualification & Typing Speed
Candidates must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Additionally, applicants must fulfill the computer-typing speed requirements conducted on a computer system:
- English Typing: 30 words per minute
- Hindi Typing: 25 words per minute
Age Limit
The age limits are calculated as of 26 October 2026. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved category candidates in accordance with prevailing government rules.
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Application Fee Details
The application fee varies depending on the category of the candidate. Payment proof must be enclosed with the offline application form where applicable.
- General and OBC Candidates: Rs. 100/-
- SC, ST, and Female Candidates: No Fee
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The selection methodology for the Assistant Section Officer position comprises multiple stages designed to test candidates’ aptitude, language skills, and practical efficiency.
- Tier-I Objective Examination
- Tier-II Descriptive Examination
- Computer Typing Test
- Document Verification
Tier-I Examination Pattern
The Tier-I objective exam consists of multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks. A negative marking scheme of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer, and the total duration is two hours.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Tier-II Examination Pattern
The Tier-II test is a descriptive evaluation conducted for 100 marks with a duration of 60 minutes. Candidates can write in either English or Hindi, covering topics such as essay writing, precis writing, letters, and applications.
How to Apply Offline for PCI ASO Recruitment 2026
Interested candidates must follow the offline application procedure carefully. Applications sent via alternative channels or arriving past the deadline will be rejected.
- Visit the official Press Council of India website at presscouncil.nic.in.
- Download the detailed notification and the prescribed application form.
- Fill out all mandatory personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of birth certificates, graduation degrees, category documents, and application fee payment proofs.
- Mail or hand-deliver the complete application package to the designated official address before 26 October 2026.
Postal Address for Submission:
Under Secretary (Administration)
Room No. 346
Press Council of India
3rd Floor, Soochna Bhawan
8, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies available in the PCI ASO Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 3 Assistant Section Officer vacancies advertised, divided between the Unreserved and OBC categories.
What is the final date to submit the offline application form?
The completed offline application must reach the Press Council of India office on or before 26 October 2026.
What are the educational requirements for this role?
Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university along with specific computer typing speed criteria (30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi).
Is there any application fee for female or reserved category applicants?
No, SC, ST, and female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee, whereas General and OBC candidates must pay Rs. 100/-.
