Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 06: With the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) examination scheduled for Sunday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed for its postponement.
He cites widespread flight cancellations and unresolved age-relaxation rules, sparking a public dispute with Raj Bhavan. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor’s office stated the relevant file was returned with queries, while the examining body, JKPSC, has announced the examination will proceed as scheduled.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has formally urged the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to postpone the upcoming Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination-2025. In a letter to the JKPSC Chairman, he cited “unprecedented mental and logistical stress” on candidates.
Abdullah highlighted a dual crisis widespread travel chaos due to disruptions in air services and “prevailing uncertainty” from a delayed decision on age relaxation for aspirants.
A copy of the letter, accessed by Kashmir Convener, states, “I am writing in the context of the extraordinary situation presently confronting the aspirants… Together, these factors have placed unprecedented mental and logistical stress on the competing candidates.”
Emphasizing principles of “fairness, equity and equal opportunity,” Abdullah urged the Commission to “take cognizance of the prevailing circumstances and consider postponement of the forthcoming examination by a reasonable duration, purely in the interest of the candidates.” He expressed confidence that the JKPSC would take a “compassionate and balanced view.”
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor’s office issued a statement to The Kashmir Convener addressing what it called “misleading” social media posts. It clarified that Raj Bhavan received the file regarding age relaxation on December 2, 2025, and returned it the same day with a query.
“The file was returned… with a query on whether it is logistically possible to conduct the exam on 7th December by incorporating modifications in eligibility criteria at such a belated stage,” the statement read. It added that despite a lapse of four days, no response was received. The office affirmed, “I fully sympathize with young aspirants.” The examination was advertised on August 22, 2025, with its date of December 7 notified on November 6, 2025.
Reacting to the controversy, Education Minister Sakina Itoo stated that JKAS aspirants had repeatedly petitioned the government for age relaxation. She noted the Chief Minister took immediate notice and, after due consideration, forwarded the file to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for approval.
However, she expressed concern over the significant processing delay, which persisted even after the examination dates were announced. Itoo added that the Chief Minister’s formal request for postponement cites disrupted air travel—preventing many candidates from reaching exam centers—and administrative delays, aiming to ensure aspirants receive a fair opportunity.
The situation has sparked a political crossfire. People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone criticized the administration for creating confusion, questioning why the Chief Minister’s concerns were aired publicly rather than through formal communication.
“If the Chief Minister believes the LG Office’s claims are inaccurate, a written directive would have settled the matter immediately,” Lone argued, describing the episode as “buck-passing which only deepens mistrust among aspirants.”
Separately, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi wrote to the JKPSC, noting flight disruptions had left many candidates unable to reach exam centres for reasons “entirely beyond their control.” He urged an “objective examination” of a postponement for the sake of equality.
Later, NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq responded to the LG Office’s account. He contended that once the elected government approved the file, there was “no justification” for seeking fresh clarifications, accusing Raj Bhavan of needlessly questioning established procedures and creating confusion. Sadiq reiterated his party’s stand for both age relaxation and a postponement.
Amid the flurry of statements, thousands of aspirants remained in anxious suspense. However, JKPSC Chairman Arun Kumar Choudhary, quoted by news agency KDC, stated that the Commission has taken no decision to defer the examination and urged all aspirants to adhere strictly to the issued timetable.
This confirmation, coming just hours before the exam, provides final clarity to candidates caught in weeks of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday also urgently appeals to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on behalf of thousands of JKAS and CCE aspirants who are currently facing an unprecedented crisis; one entirely beyond their control.
Advisor of the Association, Danish Lone in a statement issued to Kashmir Convener, said that hundreds of aspirants are stranded across multiple cities due to continued uncertainty over age relaxation and the status of the examination. He stated that JKSA has received hundreds of distress calls from terrified and helpless students stuck at airports and transit points in Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh, and several other cities. Many of these students had travelled outside Jammu & Kashmir for coaching or are enrolled in universities elsewhere. Today, they are completely unsure whether they should return, wait, or abandon their travel plans altogether.
He added that to make matters worse, airfares have skyrocketed beyond affordability, placing an unbearable financial burden on families that are already struggling. Several flights have been cancelled or rescheduled, pushing aspirants into even deeper chaos. For a large majority, reaching the examination centres has now become virtually impossible. With flights unavailable and no feasible road or alternative travel options left at this hour, students are left stranded with no way forward.
He emphasized that aspirants are facing emotional breakdowns, panic attacks, and severe financial stress solely because no final, written order has been issued clarifying age relaxation or the conduct of the examination. This prolonged uncertainty is crushing years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope.
This situation is not merely unfortunate; it is profoundly unjust. Students cannot be expected to gamble with their mental health, limited savings, and future careers due to administrative indecision. With less than 20 hours remaining before the preliminary examination, the absence of clear and written communication has pushed aspirants to the very brink.
On behalf of thousands of aspirants and their families, we urgently appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to issue a swift, final, and written decision and to direct JKPSC to defer the examination by one week. During this period, the Association urges the administration to rectify and address the pending file issues, ensuring clarity on age relaxation and examination logistics. Even a short deferment or a clear notification at this critical moment can prevent irreparable harm to these students. Every passing hour exacerbates the crisis. This has now become a humanitarian emergency for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, Danish added.
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