Is the J&K Government Planning to Raise the Age Limit for Civil Services Exams?
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government is contemplating raising the age limit for civil services candidates. This decision could impact many aspiring civil servants, offering them a renewed opportunity to serve in public administration. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial development!
Key Takeaways
The Jammu and Kashmir government is considering raising the upper age limit for civil services exams.
This proposal is currently under review by the administration.
Current age limits are 30 years for Open Merit and 32 years for specific categories.
Critical care infrastructure shows gaps with 219 non-functional ventilators.
Minister Sakina Itoo provided detailed information on ventilator functionality across hospitals.
Jammu, Feb 18 (NationPress) The government of Jammu and Kashmir has revealed to the Legislative Assembly that it is currently evaluating a proposal aimed at increasing the upper age limit for candidates wishing to take part in the civil services examination of the Union Territory.
In response to a cut motion presented by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the administration stated that the matter of enhancing the upper age limit for the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) is presently under review.
“The government is assessing this issue to determine its feasibility, taking into account the existing regulations outlined in the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination, 2018 Rules, overall service requirements, cadre management considerations, and the recruitment standards utilized in other regions,” the government noted in its response.
Previously, before the enactment of SRO 103 of 2018, the upper age limit for participating in the Combined Competitive Examination was set at 30 years for Open Merit candidates and 32 years for those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and candidates holding a civil post in the former state for at least three continuous years.
Additionally, the government informed the Assembly that out of 877 ventilators installed across hospitals in the Union Territory, 219 are currently non-functional, highlighting deficiencies in critical care infrastructure.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Shamim Firdous, the Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo specified that 658 ventilators are operational, while 219 are not.
Providing details by institution, the minister indicated that the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and its associated hospitals possess 320 ventilators, with 209 functional and 111 non-functional. At SMHS Hospital Srinagar, eight ventilators are out of order, while in GMC Srinagar and other affiliated hospitals, excluding SMHS, 44 ventilators are non-functional.
Furthermore, in GMC Anantnag, only 10 out of 36 ventilators are operational. GMC Baramulla has two out of order, GMC Doda has ten, GMC Kathua has two, and GMC Rajouri has three non-functional ventilators. In GMC Udhampur and GMC Handwara, all 39 and 6 ventilators, respectively, are operational.
At SKIMS and its associated hospitals, out of 53 ventilators, 40 are functional while 13 remain non-operational.
Point of View
Ensuring that the civil services remain accessible to a broader segment of society.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current upper age limit for civil services in Jammu and Kashmir?
Before SRO 103 of 2018, the upper age limit was 30 years for Open Merit candidates and 32 years for candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
How many ventilators are currently functional in Jammu and Kashmir hospitals?
Out of 877 ventilators installed, 658 are currently functional while 219 are not operational.
What is the significance of raising the age limit for civil services exams?
Raising the age limit could allow more candidates to participate, providing more opportunities for those who may have missed the chance due to age constraints.
