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JKSSB cancels JE (elect) exam amid paper leak allegations

Videos of malpractice go viral, opposition leaders slam government

Atul Sharma
Early Times Report

Jammu, Aug 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) cancelled the written examination for Junior Engineer (Electrical) posts in the Power Development Department on Sunday following massive protests by aspirants over alleged question paper leakage.
The decision came after videos surfaced on social media showing youth solving question papers outside examination centres before the completion of the much-awaited exam, sparking outrage among genuine candidates.
The OMR-based examination was conducted at 35 designated centres across Jammu and Srinagar. While the test was successfully held at 34 venues, it could not be conducted at one centre due to weather-related disruptions, according to an official notice by the Controller of Examinations, JKSSB.
However, the primary reason for cancellation appears to be the widespread circulation of videos allegedly showing students with access to question papers before the exam commenced.
Several aspirants staged demonstrations outside examination centres, demanding accountability and a transparent recruitment process. Many candidates had travelled from remote areas of the union territory with hopes of securing government employment.
Political Leaders Slam Administration
The incident drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders across party lines.
National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi condemned the JKSSB's handling, calling it "a symptom of systemic failure." His office stated, "Aspirants travelled from remote corners of J&K with hope, only to face yet another collapse of the JKSSB system. This is the direct result of a wrecked setup overseen by an unelected and unaccountable establishment."
PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para accused the government of repeatedly failing the youth, writing on social media: "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."
JKPPC chairman Sajad Lone termed the incident a "brazen daylight robbery in recruitment," describing the chaotic conduct where aspirants were first asked to leave exam halls, then called back in, while the paper was already circulating on social media.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, expressed disappointment with the National Conference-led government, stating that youngsters had "placed overwhelming faith in NC hoping for transparency in recruitment exams" but the party was "wrecking their future because of sheer incompetence."
The JKSSB notification stated: "In view of the circumstances, the Board has decided to cancel the examination conducted on 24.08.2025. The same shall be held afresh and a new date will be notified separately."
This marks another instance of examination irregularities plaguing JKSSB, with earlier recruitment tests also facing scrutiny, investigations, and cancellations, raising questions about the board's credibility and the future of aspiring government job seekers in the region.