50 pc qualifying marks in each paper; JKPSC to hold examination twice annually, 3 regular attempts and 1 mercy chance
Srinagar, Nov 04: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has overhauled the two-decade-old probation and departmental examination framework for newly recruited Junior Scale officers of the Jammu Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), making all seven examination papers compulsory.
The General Administration Department (GAD), through Notification S.O. 278, has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Services (Probation and Examination) Rules, 2026, superseding the rules introduced in 2000.
Under the revised framework, probationers will have to clear all seven papers, each carrying 100 marks, with a minimum of 50 per cent marks required separately in every paper. The earlier provision allowing candidates to choose an optional paper has been discontinued. Previously, probationers were required to qualify five compulsory papers and one optional paper selected from two choices.
The rules provide for a two-year probation period for directly recruited officers, with the departmental examination to be conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) twice a year, as far as practicable.
The revised framework retains three regular attempts and one mercy chance to clear the examination. The Government may also permit probationers to avail of opportunities missed due to circumstances beyond their control.
The examination results will have a direct bearing on annual increments and confirmation of service. While the first annual increment will be admissible after completion of one year of probation, the second increment will remain withheld until satisfactory completion of probation and qualification of the prescribed examination.
Failure to perform assigned duties satisfactorily, make adequate use of training opportunities or qualify the examination may also lead to withholding of increments. Passing the departmental examination has been made a mandatory condition for confirmation in service, although the Government may grant exemptions in exceptional cases by recording sufficient reasons in writing.
The rules also permit candidates to consult Bare Acts, Rules, Regulations and Manuals during the written examination, provided these contain only relevant legal provisions without annotations.
The seven-paper syllabus covers a wide range of subjects relating to administration and governance. These include Management and Public Administration; Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical, demographic, economic and social profile; Service Rules and Office Procedure; Revenue Laws and Land Administration; Government Schemes and Policies for Development, Employment and Industrial Growth; Social Welfare, Human Rights and Community Protection Laws; and the Legal and Regulatory Framework for Governance and Public Order in Jammu and Kashmir.
The syllabus also incorporates contemporary subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, e-governance, digital data protection, public service delivery, grievance redressal, women’s rights, child protection, social security and environmental conservation.
Applications for the examination will be submitted through the concerned Administrative Department, while the JKPSC will separately notify the examination procedure.
The notification also exempts probationers covered under the new rules from passing other departmental examinations prescribed for their respective feeder services.
Issued under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India, the new rules have come into force with immediate effect.