Srinagar: PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para has raised concerns over the recruitment process in Jammu and Kashmir, citing official figures showing that 21.12 lakh applications were received for 15,964 posts advertised by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
In a post on X, Para said the two recruitment agencies collected nearly ₹114 crore in application fees during the period and highlighted that 38 JKPSC examinations remain pending. He also questioned the functioning of the commission without a chairman and sought intervention from the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister.
According to information placed before the Legislative Assembly in response to Para’s query, JKPSC conducted 245 recruitment examinations for 4,961 posts, while JKSSB conducted 124 examinations for 11,003 posts during the three-year period.
The data showed that JKPSC received 2.76 lakh applications and collected ₹24.42 crore in fees, while JKSSB received 18.36 lakh applications and collected ₹89.49 crore. Together, the two agencies received over 21.12 lakh applications and collected about ₹113.91 crore.
The government informed the House that 38 JKPSC examinations were pending, including 32 from 2025-26. It also stated that an online mechanism is being developed for refund of fees in cases involving withdrawal of posts or multiple payments, while clarifying that fees are not refunded for postponed examinations.
The issue assumes significance amid intense competition for government jobs in J&K, with official figures showing that more than 11.24 lakh candidates appeared in recruitment examinations conducted by JKPSC and JKSSB during the period.
