JKPSC Amends Business & Procedure Rules 2021: Key Changes Explained (Notification No. 18-PSC (DR-P) of 2025)
The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) has officially notified important amendments to its Business and Procedure Rules, 2021, introducing several changes that directly affect recruitment, selection procedures, interviews, and evaluation criteria for various posts across departments.
The amendments were issued through Notification No. 18-PSC (DR-P) of 2025, dated 30 December 2025, and are aimed at enhancing transparency, uniformity, and efficiency in the recruitment process. These changes will be applicable to all future selections conducted by JKPSC unless specified otherwise.
This article explains the major amendments, revised selection criteria, interview process, cut-off rules, and their impact on aspirants.
Background of the JKPSC Rule Amendments
The amendments have been made under Section 93 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, read with relevant provisions of the Constitution of India. According to the notification, the changes were approved in the 35th meeting of the Commission held on 26 December 2025.
The primary objective behind revising Rules 19, 28(m), 31(a), 31(m), 34, 43, 44, and 45 is to:
- Streamline recruitment procedures
- Introduce structured evaluation metrics
- Ensure fairness in interviews and written exams
- Reduce ambiguity in eligibility and shortlisting
Rule 19: Cut-Off Date for Eligibility Clarified
Under the amended Rule 19, the last date of application submission mentioned in the advertisement will now be considered the cut-off date for:
- Determining eligibility
- Acquiring minimum educational qualifications
- Calculating age limits
- Assessing experience and other criteria
This change eliminates confusion regarding eligibility timelines and brings uniformity across all JKPSC recruitments.
Rule 28(m): Authority of Controller of Examinations
The amended Rule 28(m) empowers the Controller of Examinations to seek guidance from the Commission in special or peculiar cases related to eligibility.
If required, such matters can be referred to the Appellate Authority, ensuring that complex cases are resolved lawfully and transparently rather than arbitrarily.
Rule 31(a): Revised Candidate-to-Post Ratio
One of the most significant changes has been made to Rule 31(a), which governs the number of candidates called for interviews.
New Interview Ratios:
- Up to 5 posts → 5 times the number of posts
- 6 to 10 posts → 4 times the number of posts
- More than 10 posts → 3 times the number of posts
Additionally, candidates securing marks equal to the last shortlisted candidate will also be called for interviews, ensuring fairness and eliminating cut-off disputes.
Rule 34: Commission’s Power to Modify Selection Stages
The amended Rule 34 authorizes JKPSC to:
- Cancel or modify interviews
- Change selection stages
- Rectify errors discovered at any stage
This power can be exercised if procedural irregularities, eligibility issues, or other discrepancies are detected, safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
Rule 39: Official Correspondence Protocol
Under Rule 39, all examination-related correspondence will now be handled exclusively by the Controller of Examinations, while the Secretary of the Commission will deal with matters under the overall supervision of the Chairman.
This administrative clarity reduces delays and overlapping responsibilities.
Rule 43: Revised Selection Criteria for Teaching & Non-Teaching Posts
Teaching Posts
Selection will now be based on:
- Written Examination (78 points)
- Interview / Domain Knowledge (14 points)
- Demonstration (05 points)
- Higher Qualifications (up to 07 points)
- NCC / NSS (01 point)
Total: 100 points
Non-Teaching Posts
- Written Examination: 82 points
- Interview: 14 points
- Higher Qualification: 03 points
- NCC / NSS: 01 point
This structured evaluation ensures merit-based selection with measurable benchmarks.
Rule 44: Health & Medical Education Department Selections
Rule 44 introduces detailed assessment frameworks for posts such as:
- Consultant
- Lecturer
- Assistant Professor
- Professor (Direct Recruitment & Promotion)
The assessment includes:
- Academic record
- Research publications
- Teaching experience
- Domain knowledge
- Interview and demonstration
Clear weightage has been defined for each component, removing subjectivity from high-stakes medical faculty selections.
Rule 45: Higher Education Department Posts
For posts like Assistant Professor and Librarian, Rule 45 prescribes:
- Written examination (70 points)
- Academic merit (NET/JRF/PhD)
- Research publications
- Awards and experience
- Interview and domain assessment
This aligns JKPSC recruitment with UGC norms and national standards.
Why These Amendments Matter for Aspirants
These changes are crucial for candidates because they:
- Remove ambiguity in eligibility rules
- Ensure predictable shortlisting ratios
- Introduce transparent marking schemes
- Reduce discretionary decision-making
- Improve fairness in interviews
Candidates preparing for JKPSC recruitment exams 2026 and beyond must align their preparation strategies according to the revised rules.
The JKPSC Business & Procedure Rules Amendment 2025 represents a significant step toward transparent, merit-driven recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir. With clearly defined evaluation parameters, structured interviews, and standardized shortlisting norms, the Commission has strengthened the credibility of its selection process.
All aspirants are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully and stay updated with JKPSC announcements to avoid missing crucial changes that may impact their eligibility or selection.
📄 Official PDF Notification
👉 Download Here: https://jkpsc.nic.in/Pdf/Downloader1.ashx?nid=17540&type=n
