Punjab Anganwadi Recruitment 2025: Huge Opening for 6,110 Workers and Helpers
Direct Merit-Based Recruitment for Women across All Districts of Punjab - Apply Online at sswcd.punjab.gov.in
The Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development (SSWCD), Government of Punjab, has officially launched its largest recruitment drive for the year 2025. This massive initiative is aimed at strengthening the grassroots healthcare and educational infrastructure in rural and urban Punjab by filling 6,110 vacancies for Anganwadi Workers (AWW) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWH). This recruitment is exclusively reserved for female candidates who are residents of the local villages or municipal wards where the centers are located. By empowering local women with these roles, the Punjab government intends to improve the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which covers maternal health, child nutrition, and pre-school education for children under the age of six.
For women seeking a stable government career in their own locality, this is an unmatched opportunity. The 2025 drive offers 1,316 positions for Workers and 4,794 positions for Helpers. One of the most attractive features of this recruitment is that there is no written examination. The selection is based purely on a Merit List prepared using the candidate’s marks in their 10th, 12th, and Graduation exams. This ensures that academic achievers from local communities are prioritized. The application process is entirely online, having started on November 19, 2025, and will remain open until the final deadline of December 10, 2025. Successful candidates will become the primary link between the government’s welfare schemes and the common citizens of Punjab.
In the following sections of this 2000-word guide, we will explore the intricate details of district-wise vacancy distributions, the specific weightage given to academic scores, the mandatory residency and linguistic requirements, and a step-by-step tutorial on navigating the online application portal. Whether you are a graduate aiming for a Worker role or a 12th-pass candidate looking for a Helper position, this guide provides the professional insights needed to ensure your application is successful and error-free.
Important Highlights and Recruitment Timeline
Candidates must stay vigilant regarding the timeline provided by the SSWCD Punjab. Unlike central government exams, Anganwadi recruitments are deeply localized. It is recommended to verify the specific vacancy in your particular Ward or Village before applying, as applications for wards other than your own will be rejected during the document verification stage.
| Event Description | Dates and Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | November 2025 |
| Online Registration Opening | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | December 10, 2025 |
| Merit List Publication (Expected) | January 2026 |
| Job Type | Direct Merit Basis (Honorarium) |
| Gender Restriction | Females Only |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown by Post
The 6,110 vacancies are distributed across all 23 districts of Punjab. While the majority of the roles are for Helpers, the Worker positions are critical for the administrative and pedagogical management of the Anganwadi centers.
| Post Designation | Total Vacancies | Educational Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Anganwadi Worker (AWW) | 1,316 | Graduation (Any Stream) |
| Anganwadi Helper (AWH) | 4,794 | 12th Standard (Higher Secondary) |
| Grand Total | 6,110 | - |
Honorarium and Salary Structure
Anganwadi staff are considered "Voluntary Social Workers" and are paid a fixed monthly Honorarium instead of a traditional salary scale. The Government of Punjab, in coordination with the Central Government, has revised these amounts to provide better financial security to the staff.
- Anganwadi Worker: Approximately ₹9,500 to ₹10,500 per month. This includes the central share and the state government’s top-up.
- Anganwadi Helper: Approximately ₹5,000 to ₹6,500 per month.
- Other Benefits: Regular staff members are also eligible for an annual increase in honorarium, mobile data allowances for digital reporting via the "Poshan Tracker" app, and periodic insurance coverage under government schemes.
Note: These amounts are subject to periodic revisions by the Punjab Cabinet. The roles also provide significant social status and the convenience of working within walking distance from your home.
District Wise Vacancy Distribution
Vacancies are allotted based on the population and the number of operational centers in each district. Below is a snapshot of major districts. Candidates are advised to check the Full Notification PDF for a village-by-village breakdown.
| District Name | Worker Posts | Helper Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Ludhiana | 170 | 627 |
| Amritsar | 85 | 293 |
| Jalandhar | 153 | 318 |
| Hoshiarpur | 125 | 366 |
| Gurdaspur | 104 | 353 |
| Patiala | 73 | 246 |
| Bathinda | 44 | 216 |
| Ferozepur | 31 | 230 |
Residency Rule (Mandatory): To apply for a post in a specific village or municipal ward, the candidate must be a permanent resident of that exact village or ward. This is verified using the Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, and a Domicile Certificate issued by the Tehsildar.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
The eligibility criteria for the Punjab Anganwadi Recruitment 2025 are designed to ensure that the staff is well-educated and culturally integrated into the local community.
- Educational Qualification for Worker: Graduation in any stream from a recognized university. Linguistic Requirement: Must have passed the Punjabi Language exam at the Matriculation (10th) level.
- Educational Qualification for Helper: 12th Standard (10+2) pass from a recognized board. Punjabi at the 10th level is also mandatory for this post.
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years and maximum 37 years for General category.
- Age Relaxation: SC/ST and BC candidates are eligible for relaxation up to 42 years. Widows and divorcees are eligible for relaxation up to 45 years as per Punjab Government norms.
Selection Process and Merit Calculation
Since there is no written test, the selection process is based on a Point-Based Merit System. The marks are calculated based on your performance in standard academic exams.
- Academic Marks Weightage: A major portion of the merit (out of 100) is calculated by converting the percentage obtained in the 10th, 12th, and Graduation into proportional points.
- Bonus Points for Higher Education: Candidates with relevant degrees such as Child Development, Nutrition, or Social Work may receive additional marks.
- Verification of Documents: Once the draft merit list is published, candidates are called to the District Program Officer’s (DPO) office to verify their original residency, education, and caste proofs.
- Final Allotment: After addressing any objections, the final list is approved, and the candidates are invited for a formal induction training program.
Required Documents for Online Application
Scanning the correct documents in high resolution is essential. If the residency proof is blurry or invalid, the application will be rejected automatically without further notice.
- Recent Passport Size Photograph: Against a light background.
- Educational Marksheets: 10th (as proof of Punjabi language and DOB), 12th, and Graduation Degree.
- Domicile Certificate: Proof of residence in the specific village or ward.
- Caste Certificate: If applying under SC/ST/BC categories.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card and Voter ID (Must show the correct residential address).
- Experience Certificate: If the candidate has previously worked as a mobile creche worker or in a similar government-aided project (Optional).
Expert Tips for a Successful Application
Securing an Anganwadi post in 2025 is highly competitive despite the absence of an exam. Since the selection is merit-based, the accuracy of your data entry is your only "preparation." Follow this roadmap:
Check the Ward Mapping: Before filling the form, visit your local Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office. Confirm the exact boundaries of your ward. Often, municipal boundaries change, and applying for the wrong ward is the leading cause of disqualification in Punjab.
Ensure Punjabi Language Proof: If you did not study Punjabi in your 10th standard, you must produce an equivalent certificate from the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). This is a non-negotiable requirement for all government jobs in Punjab.
Verify Marks Calculation: During the online entry, ensure you enter the marks exactly as they appear in the original marksheet. Do not round off percentages unless the portal specifically asks for it. Even a 0.1% difference can lead to a dispute in the merit ranking.
Application Fee and Payment Portal
The application fee must be paid online through the integrated payment gateway on the SSWCD portal. The fee is used for the processing of applications and the verification of documents.
| Candidate Category | Worker Fee | Helper Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy) | ₹500/- | ₹300/- |
| SC / ST / EWS of Punjab | ₹250/- | ₹150/- |
Payment Mode: Use UPI, Debit Card, or Net Banking. Ensure you save the Transaction ID and the payment success screenshot for future reference during the document verification stage.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is registered correctly in the state database.
- Visit the official portal: sswcd.punjab.gov.in.
- Locate and click on the "Recruitment of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers 2025" link.
- New Registration: Register with your mobile number and email. You will receive an OTP for verification.
- Profile Filling: Select your District, Block, and Village/Ward from the dropdown menus.
- Enter your academic scores for 10th, 12th, and Graduation precisely.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required PDF/JPEG files (marksheet, domicile, photo).
- Fee Payment: Complete the online payment based on your category.
- Final Submission: Review all details in the preview window. Click "Submit" and take a printout of the final application form.
Important Links
| Resource Description | Official Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Online Application Portal | Apply Online Now |
| Full District-Wise Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Website (SSWCD Punjab) | Visit Site |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Can unmarried women apply for these posts?
Yes. Any female candidate meeting the residency and educational requirements can apply. While preference is often given to widows and destitute women in some categories, unmarried and married women are both equally eligible to compete on merit.
- Q2: What if I have a Master’s degree? Can I get extra points?
Generally, for the post of Worker, the merit is calculated based on Graduation marks. However, if the department provides bonus points for "Higher Qualification" in the final merit criteria, your Master’s degree will be an added advantage. Always mention your highest qualification in the form.
- Q3: Is it mandatory to be from the same village?
Yes. Residency is the most critical eligibility factor. If you live in Village A but apply for a vacancy in Village B, your application will be rejected even if you have 100% marks. You must have proof of residing in that specific Anganwadi center's operational area.
- Q4: What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application along with the fee is December 10, 2025. It is advised not to wait for the final day as the portal may experience heavy traffic.
- Q5: Is there any interview for the Anganwadi Worker post?
No. Selection is purely 100% merit-based. There is no written test and no personal interview. The verification of documents at the district level is the final stage before joining.
- Q6: Can a 12th-pass candidate apply for the Worker post?
No. As per the 2025 rules, the minimum qualification for an Anganwadi Worker (AWW) is Graduation. A 12th-pass candidate is only eligible to apply for the Anganwadi Helper (AWH) post.
