category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh To prepare Punjab domicile, graduate candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities for the civil service at Dr. Ambedkar Institute of career and courses, Phase 3B2 Mohali, an entrance test was held by Department of Social Justice Empowerment and Minorities, Government of Punjab. Divulging the details, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that the desirous candidates should be Punjab domicile, minimum graduate and member of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities to become eligible for this free coaching course. The family income of the candidate from all sources should not be more than Rs. 3.00 lakh per annum. She said that out of 40 seats for the course, 20 have been reserved for Scheduled Castes, 12 for Backward Classes and 8 for Minorities apart from 30 percent out of these for women and 5 percent for disabled persons may in each category. Cabinet Minister added further that a total of 790 candidates have got themselves enrolled for the entrance examination and 540 candidates have taken the exam. She informed that coaching for civil services will be imparted at Dr. Ambedkar Institute of career and courses, Phase 3B2 Mohali. Every selected candidate will be provided free coaching, free hostel stay and financial assistance of Rs 3000 per month as per government rules. The main motive of this coaching scheme being run by the Punjab Government for weaker sections is to prepare them for civil services. As per the directions of Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities and Principal Secretary, V K Meena, Director Jaspreet Singh, the institute will be revamped by the next financial year wherein new courses will be introduced and seats will be enhanced for SC BC Minorities and EWS students so that to make them competitive exams ready and for securing jobs. Officiating Principal Ashish Kathuria said that this year, all the previous records have been broken in terms of number of applications received, as against 40 seats whopping 800 (almost 20 times) have applied for this course and as per demands of the students we will try to have two batches of 40 each totalling 80. (editor dailyworld.in)