MPPSC Assistant Town Planner Bharti 2026: Online Form, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Date

MPPSC Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has announced the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Town Planner posts under the state's Urban Development Department for the year 2026. A total of 439 vacancies have been declared for this Group-2, Gazetted position. The selection process comprises a two-stage mechanism: an OMR-based objective written examination followed by a personal interview. Online applications are invited from eligible candidates possessing specific Bachelor's or Master's degrees in Planning and related fields.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates applying for the Assistant Town Planner post must hold a Bachelor's degree (4-year) in Planning or a Master's degree (M.Plan) in specializations like Urban Planning, Housing, Environmental Planning, or related fields from a recognized institution. The age limit is between 21 and 40 years as of 01 January 2027, with standard relaxations for reserved categories. Applicants are advised to meticulously verify their domicile status, as reservation benefits for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Women are exclusively for Madhya Pradesh's original residents. The entire application process is online, and candidates must strictly adhere to the deadlines for submission, fee payment, and correction windows to avoid rejection.

About the Important Dates

The timeline for the MPPSC Assistant Town Planner recruitment is strict and multi-phased. The core application window from 20 February to 19 March 2026 is your primary opportunity. Missing this deadline leads to significantly higher late fees, first ₹3,000 and then a steep ₹25,000, which acts as a strong deterrent for procrastination. The separate correction window (25 Feb - 21 Mar) is equally crucial; it’s your only chance to fix typos in your name, date of birth, or category without facing rejection later. The exam date (20 Sep 2026) and admit card release (10 Sep 2026) are fixed, with no individual intimations. Candidates must bookmark the MPPSC website and plan accordingly, as no requests for deadline extensions or center changes are entertained.

About the Application Fee Structure

The fee structure is designed to be inclusive for Madhya Pradesh's reserved category candidates while regulating the application pool. The nominal ₹250 fee for MP-domicile SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD candidates is a form of affirmative action, reducing financial barriers. The ₹500 fee for others, including out-of-state candidates, is standard. The severe late fees (₹3,000 and ₹25,000) are not just penalties but administrative measures to discourage last-minute applications that strain the system. The ₹50 per-session correction fee emphasizes the cost of carelessness. It’s vital to understand that fee payment is the final step that locks in your application. An application saved but not paid for is considered incomplete and will be rejected. Use only the authorized online payment methods; bank drafts or cheques are not accepted.

About the Vacancy Details

The announcement of 439 vacancies for Assistant Town Planner is a significant recruitment drive by the Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Department. This number is not static; the notification clearly states that the government reserves the right to increase these posts before the result is declared or decrease them at any stage of selection. This is a standard administrative clause that allows for budgetary or administrative adjustments. For candidates, this means the final number of appointments could be slightly different. However, it’s advisable to prepare based on the announced figure. The post is classified as Gazetted, Group-2, and permanent, offering a stable career path in urban planning and development within the state government.

About the Educational Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria are highly specific to ensure candidates have the precise academic grounding required for the technical role of town planning. The key is the phrase "from a recognized institution" – your degree must be from a university/institution approved by relevant statutory bodies like AICTE. The acceptance of both a 4-year Bachelor’s in Planning or a Master’s in Planning (M.Plan) in various specializations provides a broad entry gate for graduates from diverse planning backgrounds. Crucially, the explicit exclusion of B.E./M.E. in Transportation & Traffic Engineering is a critical filter. Many candidates make the mistake of assuming any engineering degree related to infrastructure qualifies; it does not. Your degree title and specialization as printed on your final mark sheet must match one of the listed nomenclatures exactly.

Understanding the Age Limit and Relaxations

Age calculation is based on a fixed cut-off date: 1 January 2027. Your age on this date determines your eligibility. The standard window is 21-40 years. The various relaxations (5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women of MP, etc.) are applied to this upper limit of 40 years. However, a critical, non-negotiable rule is the absolute ceiling of 45 years. Even if you qualify for multiple relaxations (e.g., SC + Woman + Govt. Employee), your age after applying all benefits cannot exceed 45. Your date of birth will be validated solely against your Class 10th or HSC mark sheet; no other document like a birth certificate is acceptable. For ex-servicemen, the benefit is not a flat relaxation but a deduction of your full service period from your actual age, with an additional cap of 3 years beyond the standard limit.

Decoding the Category-Wise Vacancy Matrix

The vacancy table is split into Main (87%) and Technical (13%) segments, as mandated by a specific government order. This split is unique and determines your competition pool. The "Technical" posts are not a separate stream but a reserved subset within the same Assistant Town Planner role. When applying, you compete for the combined total of your category. The separate listing for Women and PwD candidates indicates horizontal reservation; these seats are reserved within each vertical category (UR, SC, ST, etc.). For example, the 13 women's posts will be adjusted from the UR, SC, ST etc. totals. Crucially, all reservation benefits (including these vacancies) are exclusively for Madhya Pradesh domicile candidates. An OBC candidate from Uttar Pradesh, for instance, must apply for and will be considered only against the Unreserved (UR) seats.

About the Exam Pattern and Selection Stages

The selection is a two-stage, merit-based process. The first stage is a competitive written exam using OMR sheets. The confirmation of negative marking means you must adopt a strategic approach—avoid random guessing. The number of candidates shortlisted for the interview is pegged at three times the category-wise vacancies. This means your rank in the written exam within your specific category (UR, SC, OBC, etc.) is crucial. The final merit list is prepared by combining the scores of the written exam and the interview. The exact weightage (e.g., 70% written, 30% interview) will be specified in the detailed exam scheme. Since the detailed syllabus and exam structure are to be released separately in 'Part-H' on the website, candidates must regularly check the MPPSC portal after applying to download this critical document for targeted preparation.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria

For the post of Assistant Town Planner, there are no prescribed physical standards such as minimum height, chest measurement, or physical endurance tests. This is typical for technical and planning roles which are primarily office-based, involving design, report preparation, and field supervision that do not demand specific physical attributes. However, candidates are expected to be medically fit to perform the duties of a government servant, which may involve site visits. While not stated in this notification, upon final selection, a general medical fitness check as per state government norms might be part of the pre-appointment formalities. Candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwD) are eligible and must provide the specified disability certificate (UDID) to claim reservation.

About the Salary and Career Prospects

The pay scale of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-13) places the Assistant Town Planner in a respectable mid-level gazetted position within the Madhya Pradesh government. The starting basic pay of ₹56,100, when combined with allowances like DA (currently around 46%), HRA (depending on city classification: 8%-24% of basic), and TA, results in a substantial in-hand salary, making it a financially attractive career. The 2-year probation period is standard, during which performance is closely monitored before confirmation. As a permanent, pensionable post under the old pension scheme (applicable to those appointed before 2005, but terms may vary), it offers long-term job security and growth through promotions to higher town planning positions. The role involves preparing development plans and guiding subordinate staff, offering a mix of technical and supervisory responsibilities.

Navigating the 'Syllabus To Be Announced' and Application Steps

The note that the syllabus will be published later in 'Part-H' is common in MPPSC notifications. Candidates should not wait for it to start preparing. They can begin with the general subjects (GS, Hindi, English) and core town planning fundamentals from standard textbooks and previous years' question papers. Once the detailed syllabus is out, they can fine-tune their preparation. The application process is purely online and self-service. The most common pitfalls are: uploading unclear photos/signatures, entering a name different from the 10th certificate, selecting the wrong category, and failing to complete the payment. The 'correction window' allows fixing some errors for a fee, but your name cannot be corrected. Use the same signature everywhere; mismatch during document verification leads to disqualification.

The official MPPSC notification contains several strict clauses that can lead to immediate disqualification. Candidates must pay utmost attention to the following points:

• One Candidate, One Application: Submitting more than one application for this recruitment under any circumstance will lead to the cancellation of your candidature and debarment from future MPPSC exams.
• Final Chance for Correction: The correction window (25 Feb - 21 Mar 2026) is your only opportunity to rectify mistakes. No changes will be permitted at the exam or interview stage. Your name, however, cannot be corrected at all.
• MP Domicile is Key for Reservation: All benefits of age relaxation, fee concession, and reservation in posts are exclusively for candidates who are original residents of Madhya Pradesh. SC/ST/OBC candidates from other states must apply under the Unreserved (UR) category.
• Certificate Validity Date: Your educational qualification, caste certificate, domicile certificate, and PwD certificate must have been issued on or before the last application date (19.03.2026). Certificates issued later will not be accepted.
• OMR Sheet Discipline: Using a pencil, whitener, or eraser on the OMR sheet, or making any identifying mark, will be treated as an unfair means and lead to cancellation and debarment.
• No Center Change Requests: The exam city chosen during application is final. No requests for change of exam center will be entertained under any circumstances.
• Court Case Subjugation: The final selection and reservation, particularly for OBC, are subject to the outcome of pending court cases (SLP 8764/2023, WP 5596/2024, etc.).

Understanding the Domicile and Employment Exchange Rules

The notification places strong emphasis on Madhya Pradesh domicile. This is not just about living in MP; it requires a formal 'Domicile Certificate' or 'Permanent Resident Certificate' issued by a competent revenue authority in MP. For reservation, your caste certificate must also be from an MP authority. A related rule is the requirement for a Living Employment Exchange Registration Certificate for MP domicile candidates. While not needed at the application stage, it is mandatory to submit this certificate by the deadline set before the interview. This rule is often overlooked by candidates who register after applying. The only exemptions are for candidates already in government service (who submit an NOC) and out-of-state candidates (as per a High Court order).  

The Implications of Late Fee and Project-Based Vacancies

The two-tier late fee structure (₹3,000 and ₹25,000) is exceptionally high compared to other recruitments. This serves as a serious deterrent against last-minute applications and helps manage the administrative load. Candidates should view the standard application period as the only realistic window. Furthermore, the split of vacancies into 87% Main and 13% Technical is based on a specific government letter concerning OBC reservations. This isn't about different job profiles but a legal mechanism to implement reservation. As a candidate, you don't apply separately; you are considered for the combined pool. However, your selection will be adjusted against this split in the final appointment order issued by the government.

Travel Allowance and Key Behavioral Instructions

In a supportive measure, MP domicile candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories who are not employed are eligible for travel allowance (TA) reimbursement for both the written exam and interview. To claim this, they must correctly fill a declaration form at the exam center, submit valid caste and ticket proofs, and ensure their bank details (Name, Account Number, IFSC) in the application are accurate for online reimbursement. The notification also contains stern warnings against malpractices. It explicitly states that impersonation, using unfair means, misbehaving with staff, or submitting forged documents will not only lead to disqualification from this exam but can also result in permanent debarment from all future MPPSC exams and even criminal prosecution.

1. What is the last date to apply for MPPSC Assistant Town Planner 2026?

The last date to apply without a late fee is 19 March 2026, up to 12:00 Noon. Applications can be submitted with a ₹3,000 late fee until 26 March, and with a ₹25,000 fee until 26 August 2026.  

2. I have a B.E. in Civil Engineering. Am I eligible?

No. A B.E. in Civil Engineering is not listed as an eligible qualification. You must have a Bachelor’s in Planning (4-year) or a Master’s in Planning (M.Plan) in the specified specializations.

3. Can candidates from other states apply?

Yes, candidates from other states can apply. However, they will be considered only for Unreserved (UR) seats and must pay the higher application fee of ₹500. They are not eligible for any age relaxation or reservation benefits.

4. Is there any age relaxation for General category candidates?

General category candidates from Madhya Pradesh do not get age relaxation, except for specific cases like being a government employee of MP (5 years), a Vikram Awardee (5 years), or an Ex-Serviceman (service period deduction).

5. What is the selection process?

The selection involves two stages: a Written Objective Exam (OMR-based) and an Interview. Candidates are shortlisted for the interview based on their written exam rank (approx. 3 times the vacancies).

6. Where will the exam be conducted?

The exam will be held at centers in Indore. The exact venue will be mentioned on your admit card, which will be available for download from the MPPSC website from 10 September 2026.

7. What is the starting salary?

The starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month at Pay Level-13. With allowances like DA and HRA, the total in-hand salary will be significantly higher.

8. Is an Employment Exchange registration compulsory?

For MP domicile candidates, a Living Employment Exchange Registration Certificate is mandatory to be submitted before the interview. Out-of-state and currently employed candidates (with NOC) are exempted.

9. How can I correct a mistake in my submitted form?

You can make corrections online during the correction window from 25 February to 21 March 2026 by paying a fee of ₹50 per correction session. Note that your name cannot be corrected.

10. What type of PwD certificate is required?

A disability certificate issued on or after 01 June 2021 through the UDID Portal (swavlambancard.gov.in) is mandatory. Manual certificates are invalid. It must certify 40% or more disability.

11. When will the detailed syllabus be released?

The detailed exam scheme and syllabus will be published separately on the MPPSC website under 'Part-H' of this advertisement. Candidates should check the website regularly after applying.

12. Is there a probation period?

Yes, selected candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 2 years. Confirmation in service is subject to satisfactory performance during this period.

13. What happens if I submit two application forms?

Submitting more than one application is strictly prohibited. If detected, all your applications will be cancelled and you may be debarred from future MPPSC exams.

14. Can women from other states claim reservation?

No. The reservation of posts for women is specifically for women who are original residents of Madhya Pradesh. Women from other states compete in the UR category.

15. How is the final merit list prepared?

The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks obtained in the Written Examination and the Interview. The exact weightage will be notified in the exam scheme.