Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to empowering Scheduled Caste youth through quality skill development, Punjab's Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that applications have been invited from eligible Scheduled Caste graduate boys and girls for admission to the one-year Free Stenography Training Programme (Session 2026-27).
The Cabinet Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is creating meaningful opportunities that equip young people with industry-relevant skills, enhance their employability and enable them to build self-reliant and dignified careers. She said the initiative reflects the government's firm resolve to ensure that financial constraints never become a barrier to the aspirations and career goals of talented youth.
Sharing details of the programme, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities has invited applications for admission to the one-year Free Stenography Training Programme for the academic session 2026-27. The programme offers 80 seats, comprising 40 seats each for Punjabi Stenography and English Stenography. The last date for submission of applications is August 20, 2026.
The Cabinet Minister said that the programme offers comprehensive training in stenography along with computer typing skills, opening wider employment opportunities in government departments, courts, public sector organisations and the private sector. She expressed confidence that the initiative would prove to be a milestone in enabling Scheduled Caste youth to become economically self-reliant.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that applications should be submitted to the Principal, Ambedkar Institute, Sector 60, Phase 3B-2, SAS Nagar (Mohali), on or before August 20, 2026. She cautioned that incomplete applications or those received after the prescribed deadline will not be considered.
Explaining the eligibility criteria, the Minister said that applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category, be permanent residents of Punjab and possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The applicant should not be more than 30 years of age as on August 20, 2026. The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh, supported by a valid income certificate issued by the competent authority. Candidates must submit duly filled application forms along with attested copies of all educational and other relevant certificates before the stipulated deadline.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that interviews will be held on August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and no separate interview letters will be issued. Candidates will be required to qualify the prescribed shorthand and typing proficiency test, while the final selection will be made strictly on the basis of merit and the prescribed admission procedure.
The Minister further stated that selected trainees will receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,500, free hostel accommodation and other institutional facilities, enabling them to focus entirely on their training without financial burden.
Reiterating the government's commitment to inclusive development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that skill development is the strongest foundation for social empowerment and economic self-reliance. She added that the Punjab Government will continue to invest in initiatives that equip Scheduled Caste youth with market-relevant professional skills, enabling them to secure dignified employment, achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully towards building a prosperous, inclusive and Rangla Punjab.
