JKAS competitive exam sees massive turnout in J&K amid Flight cancellation and age-relaxation row

December 7, 2025

Srinagar/Jammu: Hundreds of aspirants on Sunday appeared for the JKAS exam conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission amid controversy over flight cancellations and age-relaxation issues.

Exam Held Despite Requests

The Public Service Commission decided to proceed with the competitive exam for J&K civil services, despite a request by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to postpone it due to widespread disruption of air services and pending confirmation on age-relaxation guidelines. The exam began at 10 a.m. at all designated centres in Srinagar and Jammu.

Age Relaxation Row

The ruling National Conference (NC) claimed that the file regarding age relaxation for the exam was pending with the Lt Governor. However, the Lok Bhawan clarified that no file specifically related to the JKAS exam was awaiting action. The L-G stated that the file on overall age relaxation for government jobs was received on December 2 and returned the same day with a query.

Regarding implementation for the current JKAS exam, the L-G noted that since the exam was scheduled for December 7 and the advertisement had been issued much earlier, adjusting the logistics retrospectively would have been difficult. He further added that the government did not provide follow-up after the file was returned with queries.

Eligibility and Age Limits

JKPSC had advertised the exam on August 22, with a maximum age limit set at 32 years for open merit candidates, 34 years for reserved or in-service candidates, and 35 years for physically challenged candidates. The government later sought relaxation to 35, 37, and 38 years respectively.

Public Appeals

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami, and others urged the L-G and the CM to resolve the age-relaxation issue promptly. The J&K Students Association also appealed for intervention to safeguard thousands of aspirants facing uncertainty about their eligibility.