The Jammu and Kashmir government has indicated that the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) examination should be deferred until the issue of age relaxation for candidates is resolved by the Lieutenant Governor’s office. The matter has gained urgency after the elected government expressed clear support for extending the upper age limit for aspirants.
On Saturday, senior government advisor Nasir Aslam Wan confirmed that the administration has already forwarded a proposal to relax the upper age limit for recruitment. “The elected government is in favour of relaxing the upper age limit for recruitment, and we have sent the file to the Lok Bhawan. Till the process is completed, the Public Service Commission should defer the examination,” Wan said.
According to officials, the proposal was first sent earlier this week by the Omar Abdullah–led government to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. However, the file was returned to the General Administration Department (GAD) with certain queries seeking clarification. The GAD has now redirected the proposal to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to obtain its viewpoint on the matter.
This development has created uncertainty among thousands of JKAS aspirants who have been preparing for the competitive exam. Many candidates have long demanded an extension in the upper age limit, citing disruptions caused by prolonged political instability, internet shutdowns, and administrative changes in the region.
The government’s statement has provided some relief to aspirants who feared missing out on eligibility by a narrow margin. Officials say the administration is trying to expedite the review process so that a decision can be made well ahead of the examination schedule.
Meanwhile, the region continues to experience logistical challenges as disruptions at Srinagar Airport led to the cancellation of 16 flights on Friday. With harsh winter conditions setting in and public attention focused on major administrative decisions, the fate of the upcoming JKAS exam remains dependent on the Lieutenant Governor’s final approval.
