⚡ QUICK OVERVIEW / KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Press Council of India has invited applications for 3 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) positions. Interested candidates must submit their applications in the prescribed offline format to the Press Council of India, Soochna Bhawan, New Delhi. The application deadline and full guidelines are available in the official notification dated September 26, 2026.
Overview of Press Council of India ASO Recruitment 2026
The Press Council of India (PCI) has released the official recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO). This is a Group B, Non-Gazetted position under a statutory autonomous body of the Government of India. Candidates interested in government roles should review the details below carefully.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Press Council of India (PCI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Vacancies | 03 |
| Pay Scale | Level – 6 (Rs. 9,300-34,800 + Grade Pay Rs. 4200) |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | presscouncil.nic.in |
Vacancy Details and Qualification
There are 3 vacancies in total for the ASO post. The reservation breakdown is 2 for UR candidates and 1 for OBC candidates. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university to be eligible.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | 03 (UR-2, OBC-1) | Graduate + Typing Proficiency |
Desirable Qualifications: Candidates with a Post Graduate degree, a Law degree, or a qualification in Journalism/Mass Communication will be preferred. Knowledge of an additional Indian language is also an advantage.
ALSO READ:
Important Instructions for Previous Applicants
Candidates who applied in response to the notification dated 18.05.2024 and held admit cards for the exam on 04.05.2025 are eligible to re-apply. These candidates are exempt from paying the application fee but must submit a fresh application proforma along with their previous Roll Number.
How to Apply Offline
The application process requires candidates to submit a physical form to the office in New Delhi. Follow these steps:
- Download the prescribed proforma from the official PCI website.
- Fill in all personal, educational, and category details accurately.
- Attach self-attested copies of all necessary academic and identity documents.
- Affix a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Pay the fee of Rs. 100/- via Demand Draft or online, and attach the proof of payment (UTR number).
- Mail your application to: The Press Council of India, Soochna Bhawan, 8 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
Application Fee Structure for Press Council of India ASO Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
Exam Pattern
The selection process consists of two stages. Tier-I is an objective test, while Tier-II is a descriptive qualifying test.
Tier-I: Objective Type
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 150 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Mathematical Abilities | 50 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
Note: Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies. Candidates must clear the sectional cut-off (40% for UR, 35% for OBC) to proceed.
Tier-II: Descriptive Paper
This stage tests writing ability and critical analysis (Essay, Precis, Letter/Application writing). The maximum marks are 100, and it is qualifying in nature.
Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of vacancies for the PCI ASO recruitment?
There are 3 vacancies in total, with 2 reserved for the UR category and 1 for the OBC category.
Is the application process for the PCI ASO post online or offline?
The application process is entirely offline. Candidates must send their filled application proforma via post to the PCI office in New Delhi.
What is the educational qualification required for the ASO post?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Typing proficiency is also required.
What is the age limit for the PCI ASO position?
The age limit for candidates is 20-30 years, with age relaxations provided as per Government of India rules.
Is there an application fee for the recruitment?
Yes, the application fee is Rs. 100/- for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, Women, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen are exempt from the fee.
What is the pay scale for the Assistant Section Officer?
The post carries a pay scale of Level 6, which is Rs. 9,300-34,800 plus a Grade Pay of Rs. 4,200.
Do candidates who applied in 2024 need to pay the fee again?
No, candidates who applied in response to the 2024 notice are exempt from the application fee but must submit a fresh application with their previous Roll Number.
What is the selection procedure?
The selection includes a Tier-I objective type exam and a Tier-II descriptive type exam, which is qualifying in nature.