Punjab and Punjabi neglected in PCS prelims exam: Misl Satluj

Chandigarh: The youth wing of Misl Satluj, a prominent socio-political organisation, has raised concerns over the reduction of Punjabi and Punjab-specific content in the Punjab PCS preliminary examination held on December 7, 2025. The organisation highlighted the issue during a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club and demanded a meeting with the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) chairman.

Meanwhile, Yadwinder Singh Yadu Alal, youth leader of Misl Satluj, submitted a memorandum to the PPSC chairman in Patiala on December 10. He said the recruitment process began through Advertisement No. 20251 and that the preliminary examination took place on December 7. However, he alleged that the commission deliberately reduced Punjabi content, which he described as unfair to rural students of Punjab.

According to Yadu, the CSAT paper contained only eight Punjabi questions this year. In previous years, the number ranged from 15 to 23. As a result, the paper focused more on mathematics. He said this change disadvantaged rural students and candidates without a strong mathematics background.

Similarly, the General Studies (GS) paper included only three questions related to Punjab. Punjabi history, geography, economy, Sikh Gurus, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh received little attention. This happened despite a letter from the PPSC chairman stating that the paper would focus on Punjabi history, culture, geography, and economics.

Speaking at the press conference, Misl Satluj President Ajaypal Singh Brar said the examination aims to select officers for Punjab. Therefore, it should prioritise Punjabi language, history, and philosophy. He alleged that the current exam pattern discriminates against Punjabi students.

Furthermore, Yadu said competitive examinations should build confidence among students rather than weaken their morale. He demanded that the CSAT qualifying marks be reduced to 33 percent or that grace marks be awarded. He urged the authorities to take prompt action to end discrimination against Punjabi students, especially those from rural areas.

If Punjabi youth fail to secure jobs through this process, they may not get another opportunity. Meanwhile, candidates from other states could be selected for posts in Punjab.

Several senior leaders of Misl Satluj attended the press conference. These included Amrinder Singh Tur, Sukhwinder Singh (Youth President, Malwa Zone), Maan Singh Killi (Youth President, Ferozepur), Harjeet Singh Khizrabad, Randhir Singh Dhira (Youth President, Mohali), Jujhar Singh (Youth President, Kharar), and Tejwinder Singh (Youth President, Doaba).