Srinagar, Dec 05, KDC: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday expressed deep concern and disappointment over the prolonged uncertainty regarding the demand for age relaxation for aspirants of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Combined Competitive Examination (JKAS/CCE).
National Convenor of Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that despite repeated assurances, including from the Office of the Chief Minister, the issue remains unresolved, causing widespread anxiety among aspirants who have invested years of hard work and preparation.
He stated that the movement of the file from the Chief Minister’s Office to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and then to the General Administration Department (GAD) has only prolonged the uncertainty. With less than 30 hours left before the prelims, many aspirants continue to endure sleepless nights, not due to exam pressure but because of administrative indecision. This is not a concession being sought; age relaxation is a fair, essential relief to ensure a level playing field for the youth of J&K, who have already faced limited opportunities, repeated disruptions, and systemic instability over the years.
Khuehami added that countless aspirants; including those who relocated outside the Union Territory for coaching are now in distress. Many are uncertain whether they should book travel tickets, return home, or whether they will even be allowed to sit for the exam. Aspirants whose exam centres are in Jammu face similar confusion. In the absence of a formal written order from GAD or Raj Bhavan, their eligibility remains in limbo. So far, all communication has been verbal, leaving students moving from one office to another without any clarity.
The Association noted with regret that although the proposal for age relaxation has reportedly been approved by the Chief Minister and forwarded for the Raj Bhavan’s concurrence, and the file was subsequently returned to the GAD, no formal notification has been issued yet.
Association reiterated its appeal to the government to restore age relaxation, emphasising that the demand is genuine and justified, especially as J&K continues to be the only Union Territory with such a narrow upper age limit (21–32 years) for open-merit candidates. Many aspirants have lost crucial years of preparation due to circumstances beyond their control, and justice must be delivered before the examination.The Association firmly believes that in the larger interest of students, and in the name of fairness, equal opportunity, and justice; the demand for age relaxation must be accepted without further delay. This is not a political issue or a favour being requested; it is a reasonable, legitimate plea that reflects the socio-economic and educational hardships faced by the youth of J&K.
Khuehami urged the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, and the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to personally intervene, ensure that the long-pending age-relaxation proposal is formally approved, and issue a written public notification immediately. Such an order is urgently required to provide clarity and protect the rights of all aspirants. (KDC)
