SKUAST’s Media Posts Recruitment Gets Murkier as Process Reopens After Shortlisting; Candidates Seek LG, CM Intervention

Suhail Khan 

Srinagar, Dec 01: The recruitment process for nine media-related posts at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has descended into controversy following a series of contradictory notifications, a reopened scrutiny stage, and unexplained postponements.

Describing the exercise as “murkier than ever,” aggrieved candidates have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to intervene and review the recruitment file.

The posts, as per the notification of which a copy lies with Kashmir Convener reads, including Media Producer & Editor, Cameraman, Print & Online Journalist, Digital Press Operator, Computer Programmer, and Animation Graphist/Graphic Designer—were advertised in July 2023.

 The written test was conducted on July 28, 2024, with results declared on September 5, 2024.

         Subsequently, eight candidates shortlisted for the Print & Online Journalist post underwent document verification and EPI screening in October 2024. The process then stalled for nearly a year.

On October 17, 2025, the university issued a notice announcing a Skill/Practical Test for two posts. However, instead of inviting only the shortlisted candidates, the university called all applicants who had taken the written test. This move immediately raised concerns among those initially shortlisted.

“The standard procedure was violated. If eight candidates had already qualified and documents including experiences verified, why recall everyone for the skill test? It casts serious doubt on the fairness of the process,” candidates told Kashmir Convener.

         The skill test, scheduled for early November, was postponed on October 27, 2025, without an official explanation.

Confusion deepened on November 28, when Registrar SKUAST issued another notification, calling 22 additional candidates—including all who, according to the shortlisted group, had not qualified in the written exam—for document verification on December 2.

         This development has provoked strong reactions from the initial eight candidates, who allege the selection is being deliberately manipulated.

         “Reopening verification for 22 more candidates, especially after postponing the skill test, shows questionable intent,” one candidate alleged. “Each step contradicts the previous one, making the process completely opaque.”

         The candidates have now formally appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to call for the recruitment file and order an independent verification. They have also mulled to approach court against the officials , who according to candidates have indulged in a criminal act  by making the whole recruitment process  murky by changing rules in the midst of the selection process.

 “This recruitment has entered its third year with no appointments. We want the authorities to examine why procedures were changed at every stage,” they stated.

         No appointments have been made for any of the nine posts advertised over two years ago, and the university has not publicly clarified the reasons for the procedural shifts.

         “Out of eight shortlisted candidates, university could have conducted skill test to select one. It needs no rocket science. It should have been a simple procedure,” candidates said, adding that the university could have sought help from reputed Science institutions of the country who recruit journalists for Science Communication including DST, International Centre For Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali or any other related science institutions.  

         Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Registrar SKUAST-K Azmat Ali Khan acknowledged the delays, attributing them to the university’s lack of internal expertise in media recruitment.

         “For roles in agriculture or horticulture, we have the requisite expertise. However, media positions are unfamiliar terrain for us,” he stated.

He explained that the university sought assistance from the University of Kashmir’s Media Education Research Centre (MERC) to administer technical evaluations and that a joint committee was formed to oversee the process.

         Regarding the initial shortlisting of eight candidates followed by the expansion to others, Khan said, “Recommendations came from Kashmir University’s committee members, who have comprehensive insight into the media field. Suggestions were also received to give eligible students from Kashmir University an opportunity.”

         On the procedural changes, he stated, “The expert committee recommended conducting skill tests for all applicants to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation.” While acknowledging the delay, Khan assured that the selection would be merit-based. “I assure you the process will be completed professionally. The right and deserving candidates will be chosen.”

         He also mentioned ongoing structural reforms, stating that media roles previously scattered across departments are being consolidated, with plans to establish SKUAST’s own media centre, a process he described as time-consuming but necessary for a more professional approach.