Amid allegations of paper leak, JKSSB cancels JE exam

Amid allegations of mismanagement and a possible paper leak during the Junior Engineer (Electrical) examination for the Power Development Department, the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has cancelled the exam. While JKSSB officially cited “weather-related exigencies” as the reason, viral videos and mounting political criticism have raised serious concerns about the exam’s integrity.

The OMR-based written test was scheduled to be conducted across 35 centres—18 in the Jammu region and 17 in Kashmir. An official reported that due to weather-related issues, roads leading to a centre in Nagrota were blocked, leading authorities to defer the examination from 11 am to 12 noon.

During this time, videos surfaced on social media reportedly showing candidates using mobile phones to search for answers and fill in OMR sheets. These clips quickly went viral, sparking allegations of a paper leak. However, The Tribune has not independently verified the authenticity of these videos.

Political leaders reacted sharply to the unfolding controversy.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticised the government, stating, “Youngsters across J&K placed an overwhelming faith in NC (National Conference) hoping for transparency in recruitment exams after electing them. But I’m appalled at how NC government is wrecking their future because of their sheer incompetency to even conduct today’s JE Electrical Exam at Kothi Bagh Centre (in Srinagar). Instead of bringing transparency, today’s paper leak suggests that this government is fast becoming a den of corruption.”

In a post on X, People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone alleged, “We have finally made it. We are top in scams. This is nothing short of brazen daylight robbery in recruitment. Will someone please tell us what is happening. Aspirant for JE electrical are first asked to leave the exam halls as paper is cancelled. Some continue taking the exams. Then all are asked to come in again. The paper is on social media well before the aspirants are ready to take exam. Will heads roll or will we be dished out yet another round of third grade fiction”.

Ruling NC Lok Sabha MP Aga Ruhullah commented that this was “yet another collapse” of the JKSSB system, and blamed the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. “This is the direct result of a wrecked setup overseen by an unelected and unaccountable establishment,” Ruhullah said in a post on X.

In an official statement, the JKSSB acknowledged the disruption, stating, “It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that the OMR-based written examination for the posts of Junior Engineer (Electrical), Power Development Department, was scheduled to be conducted on 24.08.2025 from 11 am at 35 examination venues in Jammu and Srinagar districts.”

It added: “Due to weather-related exigencies, the examination was rescheduled from 11 am to 12 noon. The exam was successfully conducted at 34 centres, but could not be held at one venue.”

JKSSB confirmed that the entire examination stands cancelled and will be conducted afresh. The fresh dates for the examination shall be notified separately, it added.