Srinagar, Oct 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has introduced a revised examination and probation framework for newly recruited Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, making a seven-paper departmental examination with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in each paper mandatory for qualification.
The General Administration Department (GAD), through Government Notification S.O. 278 dated October 28, has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Services (Probation and Examination) Rules, 2026, replacing the existing framework introduced in 2000.
Issued under Article 309 of the Constitution of India, the new rules have come into force with immediate effect and will apply to candidates appointed to the Junior Scale of JKAS through the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination.
Under the revised provisions, directly recruited officers will have to undergo a two-year probation period. While the first annual increment will be admissible after completion of one year, the second increment will remain withheld until the probationer completes the prescribed probation period and clears the departmental examination.
Passing the examination has also been made mandatory for confirmation in service. However, the Government may grant exemption in exceptional circumstances after recording sufficient reasons in writing.
Seven Papers, 50% Marks Mandatory
The examination will comprise seven papers, each carrying 100 marks. Probationers will have to secure at least 50 per cent marks in every paper to qualify.
The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) will conduct the examination twice a year, as far as practicable, at venues and on dates determined by the Commission.
Candidates will be permitted to consult Bare Acts, Rules, Regulations and Manuals during the written examination, provided the reference material contains only relevant legal provisions without annotations.
Three Attempts, One Additional Chance
The notification provides three regular attempts to probationers to clear the departmental examination, along with one additional mercy chance.
Candidates unable to appear in an examination due to circumstances beyond their control may also approach the Government for permission to avail themselves of the missed opportunity.
Applications will be submitted through the concerned Administrative Department, while the JKPSC will separately prescribe the detailed examination procedure.
Syllabus Covers Seven Key Areas
The seven papers cover a wide range of subjects related to administration, governance, Jammu and Kashmir’s regional profile, service regulations, revenue management, development policies, social welfare and legal responsibilities.
Paper I deals with management and public administration, including organisational behaviour, human resource management, leadership, performance management and government schemes.
Paper II covers Jammu and Kashmir’s geography, demography, economy, agriculture, horticulture, tourism, culture, ecology and infrastructure development.
Paper III focuses on service rules and office procedures, including Civil Services Regulations, Conduct Rules, Leave Rules, Classification, Control and Appeal Rules, the Right to Information Act, e-Office, SPARROW, e-HRMS and digital governance.
Paper IV deals with revenue laws and land administration, covering property and registration laws, agrarian reforms, land acquisition, migrant property protection, mutation records, Jamabandi and digital land records.
Paper V covers government schemes and development policies, including employment generation, industrial growth, Panchayati Raj, rural development, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Startup India.
Paper VI focuses on social welfare, human rights and community protection, including reservation provisions, women and child protection laws, social security programmes, pension schemes, scholarships, National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat.
Paper VII deals with the legal and regulatory framework for governance and public order, covering the Constitution of India, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, Prevention of Corruption Act, Public Safety Act and taxation laws.
The notification also supersedes the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Services (Probation and Examination) Rules, 2000, notified under SRO 130 of 2000. Other existing provisions governing matters covered under the new framework will cease to operate from its commencement.
The notification has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor and signed by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department.
The revised framework introduces a structured assessment system for newly recruited JKAS officers, linking their confirmation and service progression to successful completion of probation and qualification in the prescribed departmental examination.
