Allegations of a paper leak in the JKSSB Junior Engineer (Electrical) recruitment exam have sparked controversy in Jammu and Kashmir, with political parties and aspirants criticizing the National Conference (NC) government for “wrecking the future” of the youth. The issue prompted the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) to cancel the examination held on 24 August 2025, promising to conduct it afresh.
According to an official order, the OMR-based written test for the posts of Junior Engineer (Electrical) in the Power Development Department was scheduled for Sunday across 35 examination venues in Jammu and Srinagar. Initially, the exam was set to begin at 11:00 AM, but due to weather-related exigencies, the timing was rescheduled to 12:00 noon. While the examination was successfully conducted at 34 venues, one venue faced disruptions, leading to further complications.
The JKSSB order stated:
“In view of the above, it has been decided by the Board to cancel the OMR-Based Examination for the posts of Junior Engineer (Electrical), Power Development Department, conducted on 24.08.2025, and the exam shall be conducted afresh. Fresh dates will be notified separately.”
Allegations of Paper Leak and Social Media Uproar
The controversy intensified after videos surfaced on social media purportedly showing candidates outside the Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School attempting to solve questions from the leaked paper. Many aspirants alleged that the question paper was available on social media platforms even before the exam began, raising serious doubts about the credibility of the recruitment process.
The viral clips triggered widespread anger among students and job seekers. Several aspirants staged protests outside examination centres, demanding a transparent probe into the matter. The Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) was accused of mismanagement and negligence, with many urging the government to take strict action against those responsible for the alleged leak.
Political Backlash Against the National Conference
The alleged JKSSB exam paper leak quickly turned into a political flashpoint. Opposition leaders accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of “failing the youth” by not ensuring transparency in recruitment examinations. Critics claimed that repeated controversies in competitive exams have eroded public trust and shattered the hopes of thousands of aspirants preparing for government jobs.
Parties and student groups have demanded an independent inquiry and stricter security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. They argued that job aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir already face uncertainty due to limited employment opportunities, and repeated exam cancellations only add to their frustration.
Fresh Examination to Be Announced
The JKSSB has assured candidates that the Junior Engineer (Electrical) exam will be re-conducted and that fresh dates will be announced soon. Officials emphasized that the board is committed to ensuring a fair recruitment process and restoring the confidence of aspirants.
Meanwhile, student organizations and civil society groups have urged the government to strengthen exam security protocols, implement digital monitoring, and establish accountability for lapses.
The controversy over the JKSSB Junior Engineer exam cancellation has once again highlighted the urgent need for reforms in recruitment processes in Jammu and Kashmir. With unemployment being a critical concern, the credibility of recruitment boards is essential to safeguarding the future of aspirants.
