Press Council of India (PCI), Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment - 2026 (03 Vacancies)

• Minimum : Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University/Institute.
• Preferred/Desirable :
  (i) Post Graduate degree from a recognized University or
  (ii) Degree in Law from a recognized University or
  (iii) Degree/Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication or
  (iv) Knowledge of additional Indian language apart from English/Hindi.
  
  Candidates will be required to qualify typing test of 15 minutes duration on computer at a minimum speed of 30 w.p.m in English or 25 w.p.m in Hindi within a period of two years from the date of appointment to the post of Assistant Section Officer. In the event of their failure to pass the test within the prescribed period, they shall not be entitled to draw any further increment till they pass such test or are exempted from this requirement and on passing or being exempted from the test their pay will be refixed as if their increments have not been withheld but no arrears of pay shall be allowed for the period for which the increment has been withheld.

How to Apply?

• Read the Notification : Ensure you satisfy all educational, age limit, and eligibility criteria before applying.

• Obtain the Application Form : Download and print the bio-data application proforma provided in the official vacancy circular (Annexure-I).   

• Fill out the Bio-Data : Complete the application form clearly in block letters with all required personal, educational, and experience details.

• Attach Photograph & Documents : Affix a self-attested passport-size photograph on the form and enclose self-attested copies of certificates for date of birth, educational qualifications, caste, and experience (if any).

• Pay the Application Fee : Pay the ₹100 fee via Demand Draft/Cheque in favor of the Secretary, Press Council of India, or make an online payment to the specified State Bank of India account (attaching the UTR number/receipt copy) — note that SC/ST, Women, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates are exempt from the fee.

• Mention Previous Roll Number (If Applicable) : If you applied previously under the 18.05.2024 notification and received an admit card for the 04.05.2025 exam, explicitly fill in your previous Roll Number and attach a copy of that admit card to claim fee exemption and age relaxation.

• Superscribe the Mailing Envelope : Boldly write "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT SECTION OFFICER (ASO) - DIRECT RECRUITMENT" on the outermost mailing envelope.

• Dispatch the Application : Send the completed application and documents via post or submit them to The Under Secretary (Administration), Press Council of India, Room No. 346, 3rd Floor, Soochna Bhawan, 8 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003 within 30 days of the publication of the short notice in the Employment News.

Selection Process

• Tier-I : Objective Type Examination

  • Format : Computer-Based Test (CBT) or manual OMR-based test comprising 200 multiple-choice questions for a total of 200 marks (150 minutes duration).

  • Sections : General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 questions/marks), General Awareness (50 questions/marks), Mathematical Abilities/Quantitative Aptitude (50 questions/marks), and English Comprehension (50 questions/marks).

  • Marking Scheme : There is a negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

  • Qualifying Threshold : Candidates must secure minimum sectional qualifying marks (40% for Unreserved/UR, 35% for OBC) in each of the four sections separately to be shortlisted for Tier-II.

  • Merit Weight : The final merit list is prepared solely based on the performance and marks obtained in this Tier-I Examination.

• Tier-II : Descriptive Type Examination

  • Format : A 60-minute descriptive paper carrying 100 marks, evaluating writing ability and critical analysis through essays, précis, letters, or applications in either English or Hindi.

  • Nature : Qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure the mandatory cut-off (65% for UR, 60% for OBC) to clear this stage and remain eligible for consideration in the final merit pool.

• Computer Typing Test

  • Candidates are required to qualify a 15-minute computer typing test within a period of two years from the date of appointment.

  • Required Speed : A minimum speed of 30 words per minute (w.p.m) in English or 25 words per minute (w.p.m) in Hindi.

• Document Verification

  • Final verification of original educational certificates, date of birth proof (Matriculation certificate), caste/category certificates, and relevant testimonials.