PSSSB Jail Warder & Matron 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus

PSSSB Jail Warder & Matron 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus

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PSSSB JAIL WARDER & MATRON 2026: EXAM PATTERN & SYLLABUS
The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) recruits eligible 12th-pass candidates for the posts of Jail Warder (for Male candidates) and Matron (for Female candidates) in the Punjab Jail Department.
The selection process is structured into three main phases:
  • Written Examination (Qualifying Part-A + Merit-ranking Part-B)
  • Physical Measurement Test (PMT) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET) (Qualifying in nature)
  • Document Verification & Medical Examination
PSSSB JAIL WARDER & MATRON EXAM PATTERN 2026
The written exam is an objective-type Computer Based Test (CBT) or OMR sheet-based test consisting of two distinct parts conducted in a single session.
  • Part-A (Punjabi Language Eligibility Test): Contains 50 questions (50 marks). This paper is purely qualifying. You must secure a minimum of 50% (25 marks) in Part-A. If you fail to qualify Part-A, your Part-B paper will not be evaluated. There is no negative marking in Part-A.
  • Part-B (Main Merit Paper): Contains 100 questions (100 marks). The final merit list for physical test shortlisting is prepared solely based on your score in Part-B.
Negative Marking (Part-B only): A penalty of 0.25 marks (1/4th) is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Total Exam Time: 150 minutes (2.5 Hours) — 60 minutes for Part-A and 120 minutes for Part-B.
PSSSB JAIL WARDER & MATRON WRITTEN SYLLABUS
Part / Section
Subject & Marks
Detailed Topics & Core Syllabus
PART-A
 
(Qualifying Only)
Mandatory Punjabi Language
 
(50 Questions / 50 Marks)
  • Life history, teachings, and contributions of the Sikh Gurus: Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
  • Punjabi Grammar: Noun, Pronoun, Verbs, Adjectives, Genders, Numbers, Punctuation.
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Spell Check, Prefix & Suffix.
  • Idioms and Proverbs (Muhavare & Akhaan).
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 1: General Knowledge & Current Affairs
 
(25 Questions / 25 Marks)
  • National & International Importance: Current Events, Sports and Games, Economic Scene, Science & Technology, Environmental issues, Important Days, Awards and Honours, Books & Authors, Organizations (UNO, WHO, etc.).
  • Indian Polity & Governance: Constitutional framework, Fundamental Rights, Preamble, Union and State government structure, role of the President, PM, Parliament, Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Courts), Law-Making Process, and Election Commission's role.
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 2: Punjab History & Culture
 
(17 Questions / 17 Marks)
  • Geography: Physical features of Punjab and its ancient history.
  • History & Society: Social, religious, and economic life in Punjab; Punjab during Afghan/Mughal Rule; Bhakti Movement and Sufism.
  • Sikh History: Teachings and history of Sikh Gurus, Saints, and compilation of the Adi Granth.
  • Sikh Rule & Sovereignty: The era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and subsequent Sikh rulers.
  • Modern Punjab History: Freedom struggle movements with specific reference to the Punjab region.
  • Arts & Language: Development of Punjabi language, folklore, literature, festivals, and folk dances.
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 3: Logical Reasoning & Mental Ability
 
(25 Questions / 25 Marks)
  • Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning: Verbal Series, Coding-Decoding, Analogies (Similarities), Letter and Number Series, Alphabet and Word Arrangements, Odd One Out, Problems with Logical Thinking, Common Sense Tests, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense.
  • Basic Numerical Skills (Arithmetic): Numbers, magnitudes, percentages, ratio & proportion, profit and loss, interest calculation (Simple & Compound), mixture & alligation, divisibility rules.
  • Data Analysis: Interpretation of graphic presentation charts, data tables, and spreadsheets.
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 4: Punjabi Language (Part-B)
 
(13 Questions / 13 Marks)
  • Advanced structural language application: Pure/Impure sentences, word corrections, compound words, one-word substitutions, translation from English to Punjabi phrases, and syntax rules.
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 5: English Language
 
(12 Questions / 12 Marks)
  • Foundational Grammar Rules: Subject-Verb Agreement, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, Articles, Pronouns, Nouns.
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms & Antonyms, Spell Check, One Word Substitution, Idioms and their contextual meanings.
  • Sentence Mechanics: Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Correction, Voice change (Active and Passive), Narration change (Direct and Indirect Speech).
PART-B
 
(Merit Ranking)
Section 6: ICT / Computer Science
 
(08 Questions / 08 Marks)
  • Basics of Computers and Working Terminology.
  • Mobile Knowledge, Use of Smartphones, and Digital Devices.
  • Internet Infrastructure, Web Browsers, Search Engines, Hotspots, and Email/SMS Messaging Apps.
  • Wireless Technologies: 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
  • Cyber Safety, Malware protection, and Cyber Security basics.
  • Productivity Tools: MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Next Phase: Physical Screening Criteria (Qualifying)
Candidates clearing the written cut-off must meet these mandatory physical criteria:
1. Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
  • Male (Jail Warder): Minimum Height of 5 feet 7 inches (5 feet 4.5 inches for Dogras/Gurkhas). Chest measurement must be 33 inches unexpanded and 34.5 inches expanded.
  • Female (Matron): Minimum Height of 5 feet 3 inches. Minimum body weight must be 50 kg.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
  • Male Candidates: 100-Meter Run (within 15 seconds; 1 chance), Shot Put 7.26 Kg (minimum 5.50 meters; 3 chances), Rope Climbing (15 feet height; 3 chances).
  • Female Candidates: 100-Meter Run (within 18.5 seconds; 1 chance), Shot Put 4.00 Kg (minimum 4.00 meters; 3 chances), Rope Climbing (12 feet height; 3 chances).
 
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