Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 is a scheme by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Government of Punjab that provides free coaching, free hostel accommodation, and financial assistance to SC, OBC, and Minority community Graduate candidates of Punjab for Probationary Officer (Bank) and Assistant Administrative Officer (LIC/GIC) examinations. Apply before 30 June 2026 at welfare.punjab.gov.in.
Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Coaching for Probationary Officer (Bank) and Assistant Administrative Officers (LIC/GIC) Examination 2026 |
| Department | Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab |
| Institute | Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali |
| Eligible Categories | Scheduled Caste (SC), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), Minorities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Jains) |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduated from a recognised university |
| Income Limit | Annual family income up to Rs. 3,00,000 |
| Seat Reservation | SC 50%, OBC 30%, Minorities 20% |
| Women Reservation | 30% within each category |
| Disabled Reservation | 5% within each category |
| Benefits | Free coaching, free hostel accommodation, and financial assistance |
| Course Duration | 4 months |
| Subjects Covered | General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Current Events |
| Application Mode | Offline only – by post or hand delivery |
| Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Entrance Test Date | 03 July 2026 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Test Venue | Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali |
| Test Duration | 1 hour |
| Institute Phone | 0172-2228396 |
| Institute Email | ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 18001370015 |
| Official Portal | welfare.punjab.gov.in |
Introduction of Punjab Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026: A Brief Insight
Cracking a Bank PO or LIC/GIC examination requires months of focused preparation and quality coaching. For most SC, OBC, and Minority community students in Punjab, expensive private coaching fees make this dream difficult to pursue. To remove this financial barrier and give deserving candidates a genuine shot at these competitive examinations, the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Government of Punjab, provides free coaching for the Probationary Officer (Bank PO) and Assistant Administrative Officer (LIC/GIC) Examination 2026.
The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab, implements the scheme through the Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali. Selected candidates receive free coaching, free hostel accommodation, and financial assistance as per government rules. The course duration is 4 months, covering General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Current Events, the same syllabus as the IBPS banking examination pattern.
The scheme is open to Graduate candidates of Punjab domicile belonging to SC, OBC, and Minority communities, i.e. Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Jains, with annual family income up to Rs. 3,00,000.
Out of the total seats, 50% are reserved for SC, 30% for OBC, and 20% for Minority candidates. Applications must reach the institute by 30 June 2026, and the entrance test is on 03 July 2026 at Mohali.
Punjab candidates whose mothers are receiving monthly financial assistance under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana can explore this free coaching programme to improve their chances of securing a career in the banking and insurance sector through competitive examinations.
Students who have completed Class 12th, Graduation, or other higher qualifications can also check the PM Internship Scheme, which provides internship opportunities with leading companies across India, along with monthly financial support and practical work experience.
Students and anyone looking for more education, skill development, employment, and welfare schemes can explore all available programmes on our Punjab Government Welfare Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities provides the following benefits to selected candidates under the Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 at the Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali:
- Free coaching for Probationary Officer (Bank PO) and Assistant Administrative Officer – LIC/GIC examinations – no coaching fee charged
- Free hostel accommodation during the course period – subject to availability and attendance conditions
- Financial assistance as per government rules
- Course duration: 4 months
- Coaching covers General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Current Events – same syllabus as IBPS banking examination pattern
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities has defined the following eligibility conditions for the Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026. The scheme covers three categories of candidates, which are Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and Minorities:
- The candidate must be a permanent resident of Punjab
- The candidate must be a Graduate from a recognised university
- Family income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 3,00,000 per annum
- The candidate must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), or Minority community – Minorities include Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Jains
- Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are eligible – subject to submitting proof of passing by 03 July 2026
Seat Reservation Within Categories
- Scheduled Caste candidates: 50% seats
- Other Backward Classes candidates: 30% seats
- Minority community candidates: 20% seats
- Within each category: 30% seats reserved for women and 5% seats for disabled candidates – subject to availability
Previous Coaching Conditions
- Candidates who have received coaching twice under any state or central government-sponsored free coaching scheme are not eligible
- Candidates who received coaching once under this scheme are eligible, subject to the condition that they attended at least 75% lectures in the previous course. Hostel accommodation for such candidates is also subject to the same 75% attendance condition
- Candidates who received coaching once under any other state or central government scheme may be considered, subject to certain conditions
Who Is Not Eligible
- Non-residents of Punjab
- Candidates who are not graduates
- Candidates whose family income exceeds Rs. 3,00,000 per annum
- Candidates who have already received free coaching twice under any state or central government scheme
- Candidates who do not belong to the SC, OBC, or Minority categories
Documents Required to be Attached
Candidates applying for the Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 may need the following documents at the time of application:
- Graduation Marksheet (DMC)
- Matriculation Marksheet (DMC)
- Caste Certificate (SC/OBC Candidates)
- Minority Affidavit (Minority Candidates)
- Domicile Certificate of Punjab
- Income Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport Size Photograph
- Details of Previous Coaching (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 accepts applications offline only. Online submission is not available at present. Candidates must prepare the application in the prescribed format on plain paper and submit it by post or hand delivery before the deadline. Keep all required documents ready before preparing the application.
Step 1: Visit welfare.punjab.gov.in and download the prescribed application format. Prepare the application by typing it on plain paper as per the format – do not submit handwritten applications.
Step 2: Fill in all details in the application – your full name, father’s name, date of birth, permanent address, correspondence address with phone number and email, category (SC/OBC/Minority), caste, disability status if applicable, graduation percentage, details of any other examination passed after graduation, annual family income from all sources, and details of any previous free coaching received including institute name and period.
Step 3: Paste a self-attested passport-size photograph in the space provided on the application form. Sign the application with date before submission.
Step 4: Attach self-attested copies of all required documents – graduation DMC, matriculation DMC, caste certificate, domicile certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar Card, disability certificate if applicable, and details of previous coaching if any.
Step 5: Submit the completed application with all attached documents to the Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali, by 30 June 2026, either by post or hand delivery. You can also email your application to ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com. Applications received after 5:00 PM on 30 June 2026 will not be entertained.
Step 6: After the application deadline, shortlisted candidates appear for an objective-type entrance test at Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali, on 03 July 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The test is of 1 hour duration and covers General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Current Events. The test pattern is the same as the IBPS banking examination.
Step 7: Carry a passport-size photograph, a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, or Driving Licence, a blue ball pen, and preferably a cardboard for writing at the test venue. No separate call letters or admission cards are issued – candidates must check their eligibility before appearing for the test.
Step 8: Selection is made purely based on test performance. After selection, candidates must submit original documents along with income proof at the time of joining the course. The candidature of any selected candidate will be cancelled if any information provided in the application is found to be incorrect during document verification.
Important: Candidates who appeared in the final year of graduation are considered only if they submit proof of passing their graduation by 03 July 2026. For complete details on eligibility conditions and admission procedure, visit welfare.punjab.gov.in or contact the Principal at ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com.
What Is the Entrance Test Pattern for Free Coaching Selection Under This Scheme
The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab selects candidates for the Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026 through an objective-type entrance test. The test pattern is the same as the IBPS banking examination conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Here is what candidates need to know before appearing for the test:
- Test Date: 03 July 2026
- Test Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Test Venue: Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali
- Test Duration: 1 hour
- Test Type: Objective type – multiple choice questions
Subjects Covered in the Test
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- Current Events
Important Instructions for Test Day
- No separate call letter or admission card is issued – candidates must check their eligibility before appearing
- Carry a passport-sized photograph to the test venue
- Carry a valid photo ID proof, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, or a Driving Licence
- Carry a blue ball pen
- Carry a cardboard for writing during the test
- Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation must submit proof of passing graduation by 03 July 2026
Selection is made purely based on test performance. For complete details, visit welfare.punjab.gov.in or contact the institute at 0172-2228396.
Important Links Available
- Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab – Official Portal
- Government of Punjab Official Portal
- Punjab Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination Guidelines and Application Form.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Institute: Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali
- Phone: 0172-2228396
- Email: ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com
- Department: Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab, SAS Nagar
- Toll Free Helpline: 18001370015
Important: For complete details on eligibility conditions, admission procedure, and application format, visit welfare.punjab.gov.in. Submit your application to the Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali, before 30 June 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Free Coaching for Bank PO and LIC/GIC Examination 2026?
Ans. The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Punjab, provides free coaching for Probationary Officer (Bank PO) and Assistant Administrative Officer (LIC/GIC) Examination 2026 at the Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali. The scheme provides free coaching, free hostel accommodation, and financial assistance to eligible SC, OBC, and Minority community candidates of Punjab. The course duration is 4 months.
Q. Who can apply for this free coaching scheme?
Ans. Graduate candidates who are permanent residents of Punjab and belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Other Backwards Classes (OBC), or Minority communities – Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Jains – with annual family income up to Rs. 3,00,000 can apply.
Q. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The last date to submit the application is 30 June 2026. Applications must reach the Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali by 5:00 PM on 30 June 2026. Applications received after this time will not be entertained.
Q. When is the entrance test?
Ans. The entrance test is scheduled on 03 July 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali. The test duration is 1 hour and covers General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Current Events. The test pattern is the same as the IBPS banking examination.
Q. How can I apply for this scheme?
Ans. Applications are accepted offline only – online submission is not available. Candidates must prepare the application on plain paper as per the prescribed format available at welfare.punjab.gov.in and submit it by post or hand delivery to the Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali. Applications can also be emailed to ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com.
Q. How many seats are reserved for each category?
Ans. Out of the total seats, 50% are reserved for SC candidates, 30% for OBC candidates, and 20% for the Minority community candidates. Within each category, 30% seats are reserved for women and 5% for disabled candidates – subject to availability.
Q. Is hostel accommodation provided?
Ans. Yes. Selected candidates receive free hostel accommodation during the course period as per government rules. Candidates who previously received coaching under this scheme receive hostel accommodation only if they attended at least 75% lectures in their previous course.
Q. Can final year graduation students apply?
Ans. Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation can apply and appear in the entrance test. However, they must submit proof of passing their graduation by 03 July 2026 to be considered for selection.
Q. Can a candidate who received free coaching before apply again?
Ans. Candidates who received coaching twice under any state or central government free coaching scheme are not eligible. Candidates who received coaching once under this scheme can apply – subject to the condition that they attended at least 75% lectures in the previous course. Candidates who received coaching once under any other government scheme may be considered, subject to certain conditions.
Q. Is there any entrance test for selection?
Ans. Yes. Selection is based on an objective-type test of General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Current Events. The test is held at Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar, Mohali, on 03 July 2026. No separate call letters or admission cards are issued; candidates must carry a valid photo ID and passport-size photograph to the test venue.
Q. What documents do I need to carry for the entrance test?
Ans. Carry a passport-size photograph, a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, or Driving Licence, a blue ball pen, and preferably a cardboard for writing. No separate admit card or call letter is issued for the test.
Q. What is the helpline number for this scheme?
Ans. Call the toll-free helpline at 18001370015 for scheme-related queries. For institute-specific queries, contact Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses at 0172-2228396 or email ambedkarinstitute013@gmail.com.
Q. Where can I find the official application format?
Ans. The official application format is available at welfare.punjab.gov.in. Candidates must type the application on plain paper as per the prescribed format and submit it offline – online submission is not available.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.