'Aspirants solved question papers before exams': JKSSB cancels JE Electrical exam amid paper leak allegations

August 24, 2025 by News Desk

Representational Image

Jammu Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) on Sunday cancelled the Junior Engineer (Electrical) examination for the Power Development Department following allegations of a paper leak and protests by candidates.

The OMR-based exam, scheduled across 35 centres in Jammu and Srinagar, was conducted at 34 locations, while one centre faced disruptions due to adverse weather. In an official notice, the Controller of Examinations said, “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.”

Beyond weather-related issues, the cancellation was triggered by allegations of malpractice, including videos circulating on social media allegedly showing students solving question papers in advance. Several aspirants staged protests outside exam centres demanding transparency and accountability.

The office of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticised the JKSSB’s handling of the exam, calling it a symptom of systemic failure. In a statement on X, the office said, “Aspirants travelled from remote corners of J&K with hope, only to face yet another collapse of the JKSSB system. The elected government must rethink its role and approach because the current path is failing our youth and our identity.”

Political leaders also condemned the incident. PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para accused the government of repeatedly failing youth, tweeting that the paper leak comes after a series of scams and administrative lapses. Meanwhile, Handwara MLA and JKPPC chairman Sajad Lone called the incident a “brazen daylight robbery in recruitment,” describing chaotic conduct at exam centres, including candidates being asked to leave and re-enter halls, while papers circulated online before the exam began.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, criticised the National Conference-led government for mismanaging recruitment exams, tweeting that the JE Electrical exam leak reflects the administration’s growing corruption and incompetence.

This is not the first time JKSSB has faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities in examinations. Past recruitment tests have been investigated and, in some cases, cancelled due to malpractice concerns.