PSSSB Jail Warder Recruitment 2026 — 532 Warder & Matron Posts
Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board | Advt. No. 08/2026 | Released 28 Mar 2026 | sssb.punjab.gov.in
The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has officially released Advertisement No. 08 of 2026 dated 28 March 2026, announcing 532 vacancies for the posts of Jail Warder and Matron in the Punjab Jail Department under the Additional Director General of Police (Jails), Punjab. Out of the total posts, 475 are for Jail Warder — exclusively for male candidates — and 57 are for Matron — exclusively for female candidates. The online application window is open from 1 April 2026 to 28 April 2026 at sssb.punjab.gov.in. Candidates who have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognised board and have studied Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject at the Matric (10th) level are eligible to apply. The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 01 January 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories. Successful candidates will be placed in Pay Level 2 of the 7th Pay Commission with a basic pay of ₹19,900 per month, in addition to DA, HRA, and TA. The multi-stage selection process includes a Computer Based Test (CBT), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination. The written exam carries 120 marks with a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. This is one of Punjab's largest annual jail department recruitment drives and a significant opportunity for candidates targeting a stable state government job in the law enforcement sector.
| Conducting Board | Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) |
| Advertisement Number | No. 08 of 2026 |
| Notification Date | 28 March 2026 |
| Department | Punjab Jail Department under Additional Director General of Police (Jails), Punjab |
| Post Names | Jail Warder (Male only) & Matron (Female only) |
| Total Vacancies | 532 Posts — Warder: 475 | Matron: 57 |
| Nature of Job | Permanent State Government Job — Punjab Police / Jail Department |
| Educational Qualification | Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognised Board/University | Punjabi at Matric level (compulsory or elective) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years as on 01.01.2026 | SC/BC: up to 32 yrs | Ex-Servicemen: up to 40 yrs |
| Application Mode | Online only at sssb.punjab.gov.in | No offline applications accepted |
| Application Start Date | 1 April 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 28 April 2026 |
| Application Fee — General | ₹1,000 (non-refundable) | Online payment — Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI |
| Application Fee — SC/BC/EWS | ₹250 |
| Application Fee — Ex-Servicemen | ₹200 |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level 2 — Basic Pay ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 per month (7th CPC) + DA + HRA + TA |
| Selection Process | CBT (Written Exam) → PMT (Physical Measurement) → PET (Physical Efficiency) → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Written Exam Pattern | 120 Questions | 120 Marks | Negative Marking: –0.25 per wrong answer | Paper 1 (Punjabi – Qualifying) + Paper 2 (Scoring) |
| Domicile Requirement | Punjab domicile/residence certificate not older than 5 years required for reservation benefits |
| Official Website | sssb.punjab.gov.in |
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 28 March 2026 | Released ✅ |
| Online Application Portal Opens | 1 April 2026 | Open ✅ |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 28 April 2026 | ⏳ Deadline |
| Age Calculation Reference Date | 01 January 2026 | Fixed |
| Written Exam (CBT) | To be announced at sssb.punjab.gov.in | Upcoming |
| Admit Card / Hall Ticket | Before exam — to be announced | Upcoming |
The 532 total vacancies are distributed between two posts under the Punjab Jail Department. The Warder post is exclusively for male candidates and the Matron post is exclusively for female candidates. Category-wise distribution (General/EWS/SC/BC/ESM/Sports/Freedom Fighter quota) will be detailed in the official advertisement PDF at sssb.punjab.gov.in.
| Post Name | Gender | Vacancies | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jail Warder | Male Only | 475 | Level 2 (7th CPC) | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Matron | Female Only | 57 | Level 2 (7th CPC) | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Total Vacancies — Advt. No. 08/2026 | 532 | Pay Level 2 for both posts | ||
| Category | Abbreviation | Reservation % | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | GEN | Per Punjab norms | Nil (18–27 yrs) |
| Economically Weaker Section | EWS | 10% | Nil (18–27 yrs) |
| Scheduled Caste (Punjab) | SC M&B / SC R&O | 25% (split between groups) | Up to 32 years |
| Backward Classes | BC | Per Punjab norms | Up to 32 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | ESM | Per Punjab norms | Up to 40 years |
| Meritorious Sports Persons | Sports | Per Punjab norms | As per category |
| Freedom Fighters' Dependants | FF | Per Punjab norms | As per rules |
- Minimum Education: Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University
- Punjabi Language — Mandatory: Must have studied Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject at the Matric (10th) level
- Alternative for Punjabi: If Punjabi was not studied in Matric, any equivalent examination in Punjabi language recognised by the Punjab Government will be accepted
- Higher Education: Candidates with graduation, post-graduation, or professional degrees are eligible to apply — but no additional benefit or preference is given for qualifications higher than the minimum prescribed
- Warder post: Open to male candidates only | Matron post: Open to female candidates only
- General / UR candidates: Minimum 18 years, Maximum 27 years as on 01.01.2026
- SC & BC candidates (Punjab): Upper age relaxed to 32 years
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Upper age relaxed to 40 years
- Government Employees: Must carry a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department at the time of counselling/DV — not at application stage
- Domicile requirement: Only Punjab residents can claim age relaxation under reserved categories. A valid Punjab domicile/residence certificate (not older than 5 years) is mandatory
| Parameter | Jail Warder (Male) | Matron (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) | Minimum height as per Punjab norms (refer official PDF) |
| Chest (Male only) | 33 inches unexpanded / 34.5 inches expanded (minimum) | Not applicable |
| Weight | Proportionate to height as per medical standards | Proportionate to height — checked at medical stage |
| Eyesight | As per Punjab Police/Jail Department medical standards | As per Punjab Police/Jail Department medical standards |
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹1,000 | Online only — Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / SBI Challan | Non-refundable |
| SC / BC / EWS (Punjab) | ₹250 | Online only | Non-refundable |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | ₹200 | Online only | Non-refundable |
- Separate fee per post: Warder and Matron are separate posts — if applying for different posts within the same notification, a separate fee is required for each
- Non-refundable under all conditions: Fee is not returned even if the notification is cancelled or your application is rejected for any reason
- SC/BC/EWS — Punjab only: The concessional fee applies only to candidates whose SC/BC/EWS status is recognised in the State of Punjab. Candidates from other states pay the General category fee
- Online payment only: Cash payments at offices or demand drafts are not accepted
The PSSSB Jail Warder written examination is a Computer Based Test (CBT) consisting of two papers. Paper 1 (Punjabi Language) is qualifying in nature — candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to have their Paper 2 evaluated. The final merit list is prepared based on Paper 2 marks only.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Punjabi Language (10th / Matric standard) | 20 | 20 | Qualifying Only |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Punjab History & Culture | Logical Reasoning & Mental Ability | English | Punjabi | ICT / Computer (10+2 level) | 100 | 100 | Merit-based |
| Total | 120 | 120 | Paper 1 qualifying + Paper 2 for merit | |
The PSSSB Jail Warder syllabus is at the 10+2 (Intermediate) level. The official syllabus PDF is available at sssb.punjab.gov.in. Key topics from each section of Paper 2 are given below — these are the areas that carry the maximum weight and have appeared consistently in previous PSSSB Jail Warder examinations.
- Punjabi Grammar — ਵਿਆਕਰਨ
- Comprehension passages in Punjabi
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms in Punjabi
- Punjabi Literature — basic knowledge
- Fill in the blanks — correct word/phrase
- Sentence correction in Punjabi
- Letter writing conventions (Punjabi)
- National and International Current Events
- India — Geography, Economy, Polity
- Indian Constitution — basic provisions
- Science & Technology developments
- Awards and honours (national/international)
- Sports — major tournaments & achievements
- Important government schemes and policies
- Punjab-specific news and developments
- History of Punjab — ancient to modern era
- Sikh history — Gurus, battles, institutions
- Punjab's freedom struggle contribution
- Partition of Punjab — 1947
- Punjab's cultural heritage — fairs, festivals
- Bhakra Dam, chandigarh, Punjab capitals
- Famous personalities of Punjab
- Punjab geography — rivers, districts, borders
- Number series and letter series
- Analogies — verbal and non-verbal
- Coding-decoding
- Blood relations
- Directions and distances
- Syllogisms and logical conclusions
- Seating arrangements
- Data sufficiency and interpretation
- Clock and calendar problems
- Grammar — tenses, articles, prepositions
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Reading comprehension passages
- Sentence correction and improvement
- Fill in the blanks
- One-word substitution
- Error spotting in sentences
- Basics of computer hardware and software
- Operating system — Windows concepts
- MS Office — Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics
- Internet and email concepts
- Input/output devices
- Storage media — RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD
- Cybersecurity basics
- Digital India initiatives
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) — Written Examination
The first stage is an objective type Computer Based Test with 120 multiple choice questions for 120 marks. The paper has two components — Paper 1 (Punjabi Language, 20 marks) which is qualifying in nature, and Paper 2 (100 marks) which determines the merit. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by PSSSB in Paper 1 before their Paper 2 is evaluated. The top performers in Paper 2 (in each category) are shortlisted for the Physical stages.
Stage 2: Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
Candidates shortlisted from the CBT are called for the Physical Measurement Test. For male candidates (Warder), the minimum height required is 5 feet 7 inches and minimum chest measurement is 33 inches unexpanded / 34.5 inches expanded. Female candidates (Matron) must meet the height and weight standards prescribed by the Punjab Jail Department. Candidates who do not meet these physical standards are eliminated at this stage — there is no re-test or appeal provision.
Stage 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who clear PMT proceed to the Physical Efficiency Test, which evaluates physical endurance and fitness through timed events. The PET typically includes 1600-metre race (for male candidates), long jump, and shot put. For female (Matron) candidates, events are conducted as per Punjab Jail Department norms for women. Performance in PET events may contribute to merit ranking or serve as a qualifying stage — refer to the official notification for whether PET is qualifying or merit-based for this cycle.
Stage 4: Document Verification (DV)
Candidates who clear both PMT and PET are called for Document Verification at PSSSB's designated venue. All original certificates must be produced along with self-attested photocopies. Government employees must produce an NOC from their department at this stage. Candidates claiming reserved category benefits must submit valid Punjab-issued caste/domicile certificates. Any discrepancy between application data and original documents results in disqualification — even at this final stage.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
The final stage is a medical fitness examination conducted by the Punjab Police / Jail Department medical board. Candidates must be free from any physical or mental condition that would prevent them from performing the duties of a Jail Warder or Matron. Vision standards, blood pressure, orthopaedic fitness, and general health are assessed. Candidates declared medically unfit are not eligible for appointment even if they have cleared all previous stages successfully.
- On Joining (Pay Level 2): Basic ₹19,900 + DA (~55%) ~₹10,945 + HRA (varies) + TA = Gross approx. ₹33,000–₹38,000/month
- After 5 Years (Annual 3% increment): Basic ~₹23,100 + revised DA = Gross approx. ₹40,000–₹46,000/month
- After Promotion to Head Warder (Pay Level 3): Basic ₹21,700+ (Level 3 starts) → Gross approx. ₹45,000–₹52,000/month
- Retirement benefits: Gratuity (up to ₹20 lakh), Leave Encashment, NPS corpus — a secure retirement package for a 25–30 year career in Punjab Jail Department
Upload scanned copies during online application and carry originals + self-attested photocopies at the Document Verification stage. Discrepancies between uploaded documents and originals lead to instant disqualification.
Visit sssb.punjab.gov.in & Download the Official Notification
Go to the official PSSSB website sssb.punjab.gov.in. Download and read the complete Advertisement No. 08/2026 PDF carefully before starting registration. Pay special attention to the category-wise vacancy details, physical standards, and the reservation/domicile rules — these directly affect your eligibility and category code selection.
Register on the PSSSB Online Portal
Click on "Online Applications" on the PSSSB homepage and select the Jail Warder & Matron Advt. 08/2026 link. Click "New Registration" and fill in your basic details — name, email ID, and mobile number. A username and password will be generated and sent to your registered mobile/email. Keep these credentials safe — all future logins use them.
Fill the Complete Application Form
Login with your credentials and complete the application form step by step. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, address, category/category code, and post preference (Warder or Matron) exactly as per your original documents. Category code, once entered, cannot be changed at any stage — verify it multiple times before proceeding. No changes are permitted after final submission.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Documents
Upload your recent passport-size photograph, specimen signature, and all required certificates in the prescribed file format and size as specified on the portal. Use clear, legible scans — blurry or cropped uploads lead to form rejection. Documents include 10th and 12th marksheets, domicile certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and EWS/ESM/Sports certificates where relevant.
Pay the Application Fee & Submit
Proceed to the payment section — pay the applicable fee: ₹1,000 (General), ₹250 (SC/BC/EWS), or ₹200 (ESM) through online payment options including Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or SBI Challan. After successful payment, review the entire application carefully before clicking Final Submit. Download and print the application confirmation PDF with your Registration ID for future reference.
- Online applications only: Applications sent by post or email or submitted at any office are summarily rejected — the PSSSB portal is the only valid submission channel
- One application per candidate: Multiple applications by the same candidate for the same post lead to disqualification of all applications
- Warder = Male | Matron = Female: Male candidates cannot apply for Matron and female candidates cannot apply for Warder — applications for the wrong post based on gender will be rejected
- No category changes: Category code selected at registration cannot be modified at any stage — including at DV. Choose correctly the first time
- Domicile mandatory for reservation: Without a valid Punjab domicile/residence certificate (not older than 5 years), reserved category benefits will not apply
Jail Warder (Male only): 475 posts
Matron (Female only): 57 posts
Total: 532 posts
Both posts are under the Punjab Jail Department, overseen by the Additional Director General of Police (Jails), Punjab. Both posts carry Pay Level 2 with a basic pay of ₹19,900 per month under the 7th Pay Commission. Category-wise vacancy distribution (General, EWS, SC, BC, ESM, Sports, Freedom Fighters' dependants) will be detailed in the full official notification PDF at sssb.punjab.gov.in.
The online application portal opened on 1 April 2026 at sssb.punjab.gov.in. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. No offline applications or applications sent via post/email will be entertained under any circumstances. After the closing date, the portal will not accept any new submissions.
1. Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognised Board/University
2. Punjabi language at Matric (10th) level is mandatory — studied as a compulsory or elective subject. If Punjabi was not a subject in your Matric, you must have passed an equivalent examination in Punjabi language recognised by the Punjab Government.
There is no higher qualification requirement — graduates and post-graduates are also eligible, but no additional benefit is given for higher education. The minimum qualifying education for the written exam is 10+2 level, and the exam syllabus is set accordingly.
General / UR: 18 to 27 years
SC (Punjab) & BC (Punjab): 18 to 32 years (+5 years relaxation)
Ex-Servicemen: 18 to 40 years
Meritorious Sports Persons: As per category (refer official notification)
Freedom Fighters' Dependants: As per Punjab Government rules
Important: Age relaxation under reserved categories applies only to Punjab domicile holders. Candidates from other states claiming Punjab-reserved categories are not eligible. A domicile/residence certificate of Punjab not older than 5 years is required at the DV stage to prove Punjab domicile.
Stage 1 — CBT (Written Exam): 120 questions / 120 marks. Paper 1: Punjabi Language (20 marks — qualifying). Paper 2: GK, Punjab History, Reasoning, English, ICT (100 marks — merit-based). Negative marking: −0.25 per wrong answer.
Stage 2 — PMT (Physical Measurement): Height (min. 5'7" for male) and Chest (33"/34.5" for male) measurement. Candidates not meeting standards are eliminated.
Stage 3 — PET (Physical Efficiency Test): Running, long jump, shot put events. Tests physical stamina and endurance.
Stage 4 — Document Verification (DV): Original certificate checking at PSSSB venue.
Stage 5 — Medical Examination: Full physical fitness examination by Punjab Police/Jail Department medical board.
General / UR category: ₹1,000
SC / BC / EWS candidates (Punjab): ₹250
Ex-Servicemen: ₹200
Payment is accepted online only through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or SBI Challan. The fee is non-refundable under all circumstances — including if the notification is withdrawn or your application is rejected. SC/BC/EWS candidates from states other than Punjab must pay the General category fee of ₹1,000 since Punjab-specific reserved category benefits apply only to Punjab domicile holders.
As Eligibility: You must have studied Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject at the Matric (10th) level. If you did not study Punjabi in 10th, you can still apply if you have passed an equivalent examination in Punjabi language recognised by the Punjab Government. Without this, you are ineligible.
In the Exam: Paper 1 of the CBT is a Punjabi Language test — it is qualifying in nature. You must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by PSSSB in Paper 1. If you fail Paper 1, your Paper 2 will not be evaluated at all, meaning you will not be shortlisted for the physical tests regardless of your Paper 2 performance.
Preparation for Punjabi: Focus on PSEB Class 10 Punjabi grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. This section is typically straightforward for Punjabi-medium or bilingual students but needs dedicated preparation for those less fluent in written Punjabi.
Basic Pay: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 per month (Level 2)
Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently ~55% of Basic Pay = ~₹10,945
House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies by city posting — 8% to 24% of Basic Pay
Travel Allowance (TA): As per Punjab Government rules
Approximate Gross Salary on Joining: ₹33,000 – ₹42,000 per month depending on posting city
In addition to salary, Jail Warders/Matrons receive medical benefits (Punjab Government Health Scheme), NPS pension contributions, possible government quarters, annual increments of 3%, and promotion opportunities to Head Warder → Assistant Superintendent of Jail over the course of their career.
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