The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) conducted its Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) on Sunday . This decision came despite significant calls for postponement. Reasons cited included widespread flight cancellations and an unresolved dispute over upper age limits. Thousands of aspirants attended designated exam centers across the region.
Exam Held Amidst Operational Challenges
The competitive test, for various government services, began at 10 AM . This solidified the JKPSC’s commitment to its schedule. This firm stance resolved last-minute uncertainty among students and political stakeholders. Political parties and the elected government advocated for deferral. They argued travel disruptions made participation difficult. Lok Bhavan, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, maintained its position against any delay.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote to the JKPSC chairman on Saturday . He characterized the circumstances as “extraordinary.” Abdullah cited substantial travel chaos from ongoing flight service disruptions. He connected this to “prevailing uncertainty” over Lok Bhavan’s delay in approving CCE age relaxation.
Lieutenant Governor Challenges Delay Accusation
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha publicly denied Lok Bhavan caused any delay. Sinha clarified the sequence of events via social media. He returned the age relaxation file on December 2 , the same day he received it.
His return included a specific query. It asked about the feasibility of holding the examination as scheduled if age limits were relaxed. Sinha asserted his office received no subsequent follow-up from the government. The JKPSC first advertised the examination on August 22 . The CCE was initially slated for December 7 .
Details of Age Limit Disagreement
The JKPSC established maximum age criteria upon notification release. These initial limits were:
| Category | Original Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Open Merit Candidates | 32 years |
| Reserved / In-service Candidates | 34 years |
| Physically Challenged Candidates | 35 years |
The government proposed relaxing these upper age limits. The requested revised maximum ages were:
| Category | Requested Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Open Merit Candidates | 35 years |
| Reserved / In-service Candidates | 37 years |
| Physically Challenged Candidates | 38 years |
This disparity represented a core point of contention between the two administrative bodies.
Candidate Reactions Reflect Division and Hardship
Aspirants at exam centers conveyed varied reactions. Abhinandani Gupta, a student in Jammu, called the CCE “a dream for a lot of us.” She noted a postponement would aid those unable to reach venues. However, Gupta also stated it would be a “setback for candidates who had prepared intensely.”
Sahil Mathur, another aspirant, observed a prevalent expectation among students for exam deferral. He noted the JKPSC’s midnight notification confirmed the exam would proceed, ending this uncertainty. Mathur expressed “heart-felt sympathy” for individuals unable to appear. He referenced the Chief Minister’s efforts for age relaxation, adding, “What happened later, we don’t know.”
Many candidates reported significant hardship from prolonged uncertainty. They remained unsure if the exam would occur until the last moment. This situation unfolded amid evident friction between the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the elected government.