The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has canceled the Junior Engineer (Electrical) recruitment examination for 2025.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 35 centers in Jammu and Srinagar, the OMR-based written test was initially delayed due to bad weather, with the start time pushed from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. While the exam was successfully held at 34 of the venues, it could not be conducted at one of the centers.

Citing these issues, the JKSSB announced in an official order that the examination was canceled and would be held again on a new date.

According to the board, exams were successfully conducted in 34 centres, but one venue faced disruptions. Soon after, videos showing aspirants solving papers in groups went viral, raising suspicions of malpractice. Allegations also surfaced that question papers were leaked on social media before the exam began.

Official Statement from JKSSB

The board further clarified that there was no official paper leakage, but incidents of aspirants solving papers in open areas went viral on social media. Authorities confirmed that CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify candidates who allegedly snatched papers and created chaos at examination venues.

The exam is now expected to be rescheduled next month.

Aspirants Express Frustration

The cancellation left thousands of job seekers disheartened. Many candidates claimed they had prepared for years, only to face yet another failure in the recruitment process.

One frustrated aspirant said:

“I completed my degree three years ago and was preparing for this exam. This cancellation has left me completely depressed. The JKSSB has failed us again.”

Political Reactions: Parties Slam Administration

The controversy has triggered a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir. Several opposition leaders accused the administration of failing to conduct transparent recruitment exams.

• National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi criticized the system, calling it “a direct result of a wrecked and unaccountable establishment.” He accused the administration of failing the youth of J&K.
• PDP leader Waheed Para said the alleged “sale of exam papers” is a betrayal of young aspirants’ trust.
• People’s Conference president Sajad Lone went further, describing the incident as “daylight robbery” in recruitment. He questioned how the paper appeared on social media before the exams even began.

JKSSB’s Troubled History

This is not the first time the JKSSB has faced controversy. Over the past three years, multiple recruitment exams in Jammu and Kashmir have been marred by paper leaks, scams, and irregularities, severely damaging the credibility of the selection process.

Political leaders and aspirants have repeatedly demanded transparent recruitment mechanisms to safeguard the future of the region’s youth.

What’s Next for Candidates?

The JKSSB has assured aspirants that the exam will be reconducted under stricter surveillance next month. Officials have also promised strict legal action against individuals found guilty of misconduct.

However, the incident has once again shaken public trust in the recruitment process, leaving candidates uncertain about their future.