The Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) has cancelled the recruitment examination for junior engineers, saying the test could not be held at one of the 35 centres due to bad weather.
The decision came after allegations emerged that question papers were available on social media even before the exams started, and videos purportedly showing mass copying went viral.
The Selection Board said the exam for Junior Engineers (Electrical) was scheduled for 11 am Sunday at 35 centres in Srinagar and Jammu districts, but had been postponed to noon due to the weather, before being cancelled.
“The examination was successfully conducted at 34 venues, but couldn’t be conducted at one venue,” the JKSSB said in a notice announcing the cancellation of exams. “In view of the above, it has been decided by the board to cancel the OMR-based examinations for the post of Junior Engineer (Electrical), Power Development Department, conducted on 24-08-2025 and (that it) shall be conducted afresh,” it said.
However, before the board announced the cancellations of the exams, videos were circulated on social media showing candidates solving the papers in groups. Some protesting candidates also alleged that question papers were available on social media even before the exam started.
“This is not the first time that the SSB has played with our careers. There is mass irregularity in these exams,” a candidate said. “I completed my degree three years ago and was preparing for this day, but after seeing the situation, I am depressed.”
Political storm
The allegations of irregularity have also caused a political storm. The ruling National Conference’s Srinagar MP, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, has taken on the administration and the Selection Board.
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“Aspirants travelled from remote corners of J&K with hope, only to face yet another collapse of the J&K SSB system. This is the direct result of a wrecked setup overseen by an unelected and unaccountable establishment,” Ruhullah said in a post on X. “The scams that began under the so-called L-G’s watch have not stopped. Instead of safeguarding the future of our youth, books are being banned and schools taken over. (The) unresolved issue of reservation is taking a further toll on the future of youth. The elected government must rethink its role and approach because the current path is failing our youth and our identity.”
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and legislator Waheed Para said the “sale of exam papers” is a blow to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. “Scam after scam, and now another SSB paper leak. Students are seen openly trying to solve problems, yet after banning books and locking schools, the government’s sale of exam papers is another blow to J&K’s youth,” he said.
People’s Conference president Sajad Lone called it “daylight robbery” in recruitment. “We have finally made it. We are top in scams. This is nothing short of brazen daylight robbery in recruitment. Will someone please tell us what is happening?” Lone asked in a post on X. “Aspirants for JE electrical are first asked to leave the exam halls as the paper is cancelled. Some continue taking the exams. Then, all are asked to come in again. The paper is on social media well before the aspirants are ready to take the exam. Will heads roll or will we be dished out yet another round of third-grade fiction?” he asked.
The JKSSB has been under fire for the last three years after a series of scams, paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment exams surfaced. In the past, the National Conference, too, has taken on the board for allegedly not being able to conduct transparent examinations.
