How Much Did the J&K Government Collect in Job Application Fees?
Synopsis
Discover how the Jammu and Kashmir government has raised over Rs 48 crore in job application fees in the past two years. This article dives into the details of the collection, the number of posts advertised, and the challenges faced by the youth in securing employment.
Key Takeaways
Rs 48 crore collected in job application fees.
JKPSC and JKSSB are responsible for the collection.
Over 10,400 job posts advertised in the last two years.
Intense competition among over five lakh unemployed youth.
Shift to a rigorous selection process for government jobs.
Jammu, Feb 9 (NationPress) The government of Jammu and Kashmir announced on Monday that it has amassed over Rs 48 crore in application fees from job seekers over the past two years through the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB).
This revelation came as a response to a query from MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para.
The administration detailed that Rs 14.48 crore was collected in the financial year 2023-24, comprising Rs 7.39 crore from JKPSC and Rs 7.09 crore from JKSSB.
In the upcoming year of 2024-25, the JKPSC is projected to collect over Rs 10 crore, while the JKSSB is expected to generate over Rs 23 crore in application fees from aspiring candidates. The cumulative total for the past two years is reported to be Rs 48.88 crore.
The government also informed the assembly that approximately 10,400 posts have been advertised by JKSSB, while JKPSC has listed around 1,750 posts in the same timeframe.
Waheed Para has previously voiced concerns regarding the 2026-2027 UT Budget, criticizing it for lacking initiatives for the youth and daily wage earners, and for not effectively tackling unemployment.
Jammu and Kashmir is home to a significant number of qualified but unemployed youth, and due to the lack of a robust industrial sector, government jobs remain their top employment option.
Currently, over five lakh qualified unemployed youths are on the lookout for job opportunities across various fields in the union territory. With limited positions available in government roles, the competition among candidates is notably intense.
In the past decade, securing a government job relied heavily on educational merit, but it has now shifted to a more rigorous selection process involving entrance tests, written examinations, and interviews.
Interestingly, traditional preferred fields such as medicine and engineering, which previously ensured easier access to government positions, are no longer the top choices among youth. Reports indicate that over 15,000 MBBS graduates and more than triple this number of engineering graduates are currently jobless in Jammu and Kashmir.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir. The government's collection of application fees indicates a high demand for jobs, yet the underlying challenges of limited opportunities and competition emphasize a need for effective policy changes to address the youth's aspirations.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has the J&K government collected in application fees?
The Jammu and Kashmir government has collected over Rs 48 crore in application fees over the past two years.
Which bodies collected these fees?
The fees were collected by the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB).
How many job posts have been advertised?
Approximately 10,400 posts have been advertised by JKSSB and around 1,750 posts by JKPSC in the last two years.
What is the current employment situation for youth in J&K?
There are over five lakh qualified unemployed youth currently seeking employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the selection process for government jobs now?
The selection process now includes entrance tests, written exams, and interviews, making it more competitive than before.
