PNB Promotion Exam Notification 2026 Out, Download PDF & Check Important Dates

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has released the PNB Promotion Exam Notification 2026 for the promotion of officers to higher management scales for the financial year 2027–28. As per HRMD Circular No. 912/2026, dated 9 October 2026, the bank has invited online applications from eligible officers in different existing scales for promotion to MMG Scale II, MMG Scale III, SMG Scale IV and SMG Scale V.

PNB Promotion Exam Notification 2026 Out

The PNB Promotion Exam online application process started on 9 October 2026, and officers can submit their applications through the PNB Human Resource Management System (HRMS) until 16 October 2026. The last date for approval of applications by the respective controlling offices and HO divisions is 19 October 2026. The online promotion test is scheduled for 6 December 2026 (Sunday). Eligible officers should read the notification carefully and ensure that their service records, qualifications and other details are correctly reflected in HRMS.

PNB Promotion Exam Notification 2026: Download PDF

PNB Promotion Exam 2026: Important Dates

The important dates for the PNB promotion process for the financial year 2027–28 are given below.

PNB Promotion 2026: Scales Covered

The promotion process covers four upward movements in the officer cadre. The eligible officers must satisfy the criteria prescribed for their respective promotion scale and channel as on 1 April 2027.

PNB Promotion Exam 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Officers must fulfil the eligibility conditions prescribed under the PNB Promotion Policy for 2027–28. The bank will assess eligibility with reference to 1 April 2027, along with the relevant service, performance and other requirements.

1. Date of Placement in the Existing Scale

The circular specifies different cut-off dates according to the promotion scale and selection channel.

2. Confirmation and Residual Service

Officers can apply only after confirmation in the bank’s service following completion of the probation period and qualification of the confirmation test, wherever applicable. The bank also requires a minimum residual service of one year under the promotion policy.

Accordingly, officers due for superannuation up to 29 February 2028 will not be eligible to apply for this promotion process.

3. APAR Requirements

Performance appraisal records form an important part of the promotion eligibility assessment. PNB will consider the average APAR marks for the financial years 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26, excluding the immediately preceding year for which the promotion is being conducted.

• Average of at least 75% marks in APAR for the eligible years of service.
• At least 60% marks in each eligible year.
• For officers who have spent less than three years in the officer cadre, APARs will be considered for the period for which they have remained in that cadre.
• APAR marks for a year in which the officer worked for fewer than 90 days will not be considered, subject to the provisions in the circular.

4. Mandatory Training

Officers in JMG Scale I to IV must complete eight mandatory training programmes on PNB UNIV to be eligible to participate in the promotion process. Candidates who have not completed these programmes by the last date for submitting the promotion application will not be allowed to apply.

PNB Promotion 2026: Application Process

Eligible officers must submit their promotion applications through PNB HRMS. The online application facility is available from 9 October to 16 October 2026.

1. Visit the authorised PNB HRMS portal.
2. Log in using your HRMS credentials.
3. Navigate to Self Service → Promotion → Officer Promotion → Promotion Application.
4. Select the applicable promotion scale and channel in accordance with your eligibility.
5. Check your personal details, category, stream, date of placement in the current scale, qualifications and experience.
6. Verify the branch experience and job responsibility marks displayed by the system.
7. Check your mobile number and email ID and update them in the application if necessary.
8. Submit the online application before 16 October 2026.
9. Save the acknowledgement number generated by HRMS after successful submission.

PNB Promotion Application Approval: Important Instructions

Submitting the application is only one part of the process. Controlling offices and HO divisions must approve applications and enter the additional details by 19 October 2026.

• Check the application approval status in HRMS.
• Verify the category, selection channel, designation and qualification details.
• Check branch experience, job responsibility and APAR-related information.
• Confirm that the scribe or compensatory-time requirement, if applicable, has been correctly recorded.
• Verify details relating to rural or semi-urban tenure and other applicable conditions.
• Report discrepancies to the approving authority by 19 October 2026.

PNB Promotion Exam 2026: Selection Channels

The applicable promotion channel depends on the existing scale, target scale and eligibility conditions.

• Normal Seniority Channel: Available for eligible officers under the prescribed seniority-based route.
• Merit Fast Track Channel: Available for eligible mainstream officers for the specified promotions.
• Merit Channel: Applicable to the promotion movements and streams specified in the policy.
• Merit-cum-Seniority Channel: Available for promotion from SMG Scale IV to Scale V under the prescribed conditions.
• Merit-cum-Test Channel: Another route for promotion from SMG Scale IV to Scale V, subject to the promotion policy.