Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has announced the written examination schedule for various recruitment exams. The examinations are scheduled to be held in January 2026 and will cover vacancies in the Jail Department, Defence Welfare Department, and Punjab Bhawan.
Overview of Posts
- Warder (Male) & Matron (Female): These are security-focused positions in the Jail Department, responsible for maintaining safety, discipline, and order within correctional facilities.
- Assistant Superintendent: A supervisory role in the Jail Department involving jail administration, inmate management, and oversight of security operations.
- Clerk: A clerical position in the Defence Welfare Department, responsible for record keeping, file management, and general office administration.
- Telephone Operator: A technical support role at Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi, responsible for operating and managing communication systems.
Important Dates
| Advertisement No. | Department | Name of Post | No. of Posts | Date of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07 of 2025 | Jail Department | Warder | 451 | 11 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| 07 of 2025 | Jail Department | Matron | 20 | 11 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| 04 of 2025 | Defence Welfare Department | Clerk | 18 | 18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| 06 of 2025 | Punjab Bhawan, Delhi | Telephone Operator | 9 | 18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| 07 of 2025 | Jail Department | Assistant Superintendent | 29 | 18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
Age Criteria
(As per Punjab Government Rules & letter dated 07.07.2025; age calculated as on 01.01.2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 27 Years
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Freedom Fighter / Sports | ₹1000 |
| SC / BC / EWS | ₹250 |
| Ex-Servicemen & Dependents | ₹200 |
Category-wise Posts (Assistant Superintendent)
| Category | Total No. of Posts | Posts Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| General | 13 | 3 |
| EWS | 3 | 1 |
| SC (M&B) | 3 | 1 |
| SC (R&O) | 2 | 1 |
| BC | 3 | 1 |
| FF | 1 | 1 |
| ESM (SC M&B) | 1 | 0 |
| ESM (SC R&O) | 1 | 0 |
| BC ESM | 1 | 0 |
| General ESM | 1 | 0 |
| – | 29 | 8 |
Warder & Matron Posts (Category-wise Distribution)
| Category | Warder (A) | Matron (B) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 57 | 0 |
| EWS | 46 | 2 |
| SC (M&B) | 45 | 2 |
| SC (R&O) | 45 | 2 |
| BC | 49 | 1 |
| FF | 20 | 0 |
| ESM (SC M&B) | 32 | 3 |
| ESM (SC R&O) | 32 | 3 |
| BC ESM | 32 | 3 |
| General ESM | 54 | 4 |
| Sports General | 17 | 0 |
| Sports SC (M&B) | 11 | 0 |
| Sports SC (R&O) | 11 | 0 |
| – | 451 | 20 |
Educational Qualification & PET/PMT Details
| Post | Educational Qualification | Physical Efficiency / PMT |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Superintendent | Degree from a recognized university | As per departmental rules (No specific PMT mentioned) |
| Warder (Male) | 10+2 or equivalent; Punjabi at Matric level mandatory | Height: 5’7″ (Dogras/Gurkhas: 5’4.5″); Chest: 33″ (unexpanded), 34.5″ (expanded); Normal vision required |
| Matron (Female) | 10+2 or equivalent; Punjabi at Matric level mandatory | Height: 5’3″; Weight: 50 kg+; Normal vision required |
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The selection process generally includes a Written Examination followed by a Physical Test or Skill Test, depending on the post.
For Warder, Matron & Assistant Superintendent (Jail Department)
Written Exam (OMR Based)
Tentative syllabus includes:
- Quantitative Aptitude & Numerical Skills
- Mental Ability & Logical Reasoning
- General Knowledge (India & Punjab)
- English Language
- Punjabi Language
- Computers / IT Basics
- Basic Law & Constitution (Jail Dept.)
Physical Screening Test (PST/PET)
Candidates who clear the written exam must undergo physical trials such as:
- Running
- Shot put
- Rope climbing
- Height & chest measurement
For Clerk & Telephone Operator
Written Exam (OMR Based)
Expected syllabus:
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Reasoning & Mental Ability
- English & Punjabi
- Computer Basics
- Punjab History & Culture
Skill Test (Qualifying)
- Clerk: Typing Test in English & Punjabi (Raavi) at 30 WPM
- Telephone Operator: Trade-specific proficiency test
Note: Negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers usually applies.
Salary Details
| Post | Pay Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Superintendent | Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Warder / Matron | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
Process to Download Admit Card
Admit cards will not be sent by post. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the PSSSB official website.
- Go to the “Advertisements” or “Admit Card” section.
- Click on Admit Card for Advt No. 04, 06 & 07 of 2025.
- Enter:
- Application Number (Username)
- Date of Birth or Mobile Number
- Download and print the admit card (take at least two copies).
Exam Shift Timings & City Centres
Exam Centres
The venue will be printed on the admit card. Centres are typically located in:
Chandigarh, Mohali (SAS Nagar), Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, etc.
Shift Timings
- Morning Shift: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Entry closes 9:30 AM)
- Evening Shift: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Entry closes 1:30 PM)
Always follow the reporting time mentioned on your admit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the PSSSB exams be conducted
The written exams will be conducted in January 2026 as per the released schedule
Which departments are included in this recruitment
Vacancies are available in the Jail Department Defence Welfare Department and Punjab Bhawan New Delhi
What is the age limit for applicants
Applicants must be between 18 and 27 years of age as on 1 January 2025
What is the educational qualification required for Warder and Matron posts
Candidates must have passed 10 plus 2 and Punjabi at Matric level is mandatory
Are there physical standards for Warder and Matron posts
Yes height chest weight and vision requirements must be met according to departmental rules
Conclusion
PSSSB exam calendar and detailed recruitment information provide a clear roadmap for candidates preparing for upcoming vacancies in the Jail Department Defence Welfare Department and Punjab Bhawan. With important dates qualifications selection process and exam pattern now announced aspirants can plan their preparation more effectively. Candidates are advised to carefully follow the eligibility requirements stay updated with official notifications and ensure timely download of their admit cards. With proper planning and focused preparation applicants can enhance their chances of success in these government recruitment examinations.