JKPSC CSE - Exam Scheme

“Knowledge bridges divides. Unity strengthens roots. Resilience nurtures enduring peace.”

For countless individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services—encompassing esteemed roles within the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service, Jammu and Kashmir Police Service, and Jammu and Kashmir Accounts Service—stand as the pinnacle of career aspirations. These positions offer a unique opportunity to serve the region and contribute to its development and governance.

Why Choose Civil Services as a Career?

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Civil Services form the backbone of regional administration and governance. Among these, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS), and Jammu and Kashmir Accounts Service (JKAS) are held in the highest regard. The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service is especially coveted for its strategic roles within the Union Territory’s government, providing exceptional opportunities to shape policy and drive development at both local and regional levels.

About the Examination Process

To enter these esteemed services, candidates must clear the Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). The selection process involves three stages: the Civil Services Preliminary Exam (Prelims), the Civil Services Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview).
Plan of Examination

The Civil Services Examination consists of two successive stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):

• This stage is designed to screen candidates for the Main Examination.
• It consists of two papers, each carrying 200 marks:

• General Studies Paper I
• General Studies Paper II (CSAT): This is a qualifying paper where candidates must score at least 33%.

• Both papers feature objective-type questions (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Marks obtained in this stage are used solely to determine eligibility for the Mains and do not contribute to the final selection.
• Candidates who qualify for the Mains are required to submit a Detailed Application Form (DAF).

2. Main Examination (Written and Interview):

• Written Examination:

• This stage involves nine papers, with seven papers contributing to the final merit list.
• The remaining two papers are qualifying in nature, with minimum marks determined by JKPSC each year.
• The question papers are of conventional (essay) type, testing in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities.

• Personality Test (Interview):

• A board of unbiased and experienced members evaluates the candidate’s personality, assessing suitability for a public service career.
• The interview focuses on matters of general interest, judging the candidate’s mental caliber, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• The final rank in the merit list is based solely on the marks obtained in the Mains (written examination and interview).

Candidates must perform well in both the written examination and the personality test to secure their place in the final selection for various services and posts.

Table shows the Marks distribution counted for final merit

Conduct of Examination

1. The examination will be conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (Conduct of Examination) Rules, 2005.
2. The Commission will determine the dates and locations for the Preliminary and Main Examinations.

Indicating Preferences

1. Candidates must indicate their order of preference for various services/posts in their application form for the Main Examination.
2. Preferences cannot be changed once submitted. If a candidate does not specify preferences, it will be assumed that they have no specific preference, and they will be allocated to available services/posts.

Number of Attempts

1. Candidates are allowed six attempts at the examination.
2. SC/ST candidates are exempt from this restriction, while OBC candidates have nine attempts.
3. Physically challenged candidates will have the same number of attempts as their non-physically challenged counterparts, with General Category candidates eligible for nine attempts.
4. An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is counted as one attempt regardless of the outcome.

Conditions of Eligibility

1. Age Limit:

• Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old on 1st January of the year in which the examination is held.
• Relaxations:
• 34 years for SC/ST/RBA/Social Castes/ALC candidates.
• 35 years for Physically Challenged candidates.
• Candidates holding a civil post in the State may be eligible for an upper age limit of 34 years if they have completed 2 years of service.

2. Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
• Final-year students who have completed their exams but have not yet received results are eligible for the Preliminary Examination. They must provide proof of passing before appearing for the Main Examination.

3. Physical Standards for J&K Police (Gazetted) Service:

• Males: Height 165 cm, Chest girth 84 cm (Expansion 5 cm)
• Females: Height 150 cm, Chest girth 79 cm (Expansion 5 cm)
• Leh/Kargil:

• Males: Height 160 cm, Chest girth 79 cm (Expansion 5 cm)
• Females: Height 145 cm, Chest girth 74 cm (Expansion 5 cm)

4. Submission of Application:

Government employees must submit their applications through their Head of Office.

Documents for Preliminary Examination

Candidates are not required to submit age, educational qualification, category, or civil post certificates at the time of applying for the Preliminary Examination. Admission is provisional, and misrepresentation or fraud may result in cancellation of candidature.

Conduct and Security

Candidates guilty of unethical practices such as offering bribes, impersonation, or using unfair means will face disqualification and possible criminal prosecution.

Reservations and Relaxations

Candidates must ensure they are entitled to reservation/relaxation benefits and possess the necessary certificates dated before the application closing date.

Documents for Main Examination

1. Candidates must provide attested copies of certificates proving:

• Domicile Certificate
• Academic qualifications
• Age and character
• Category (if applicable)

2. Changes in category from General to Reserved will not be entertained post-application submission.

Examination Structure

1. Preliminary Examination:

• Consists of two objective-type papers totaling 400 marks.
• Marks are used for short-listing candidates for the Main Examination.
• Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.(For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.)

2. Main Examination:

• Includes eight conventional essay-type papers and a Personality Test (Interview).
• Minimum qualifying marks are set by the Commission.
• Candidates are shortlisted for interviews based on merit and preferences.
• Interviews carry 250 marks with no minimum qualifying marks.

3. Personality Test (Interview)

Overview of the Interview Process

1. Purpose and Structure:

• Interview Panel: Candidates will be interviewed by a panel consisting of Members of the Commission.
• Objective: The interview aims to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service. It assesses mental calibre, intellectual qualities, and social traits.
• Assessment Focus: The interview is designed to judge various qualities, including:
• Mental alertness
• Critical powers of assimilation
• Clear and logical exposition
• Balance of judgment
• Variety and depth of interest
• Ability for social cohesion and leadership
• Intellectual and moral integrity

2. Role of Experts:

Assistance: The Commission may be assisted by experts in Behavioural Sciences and Public Administration, nominated by the Chairman.
Technique: The interview is a directed, purposive conversation intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate rather than a strict cross-examination.
Focus Areas:
Current Affairs: Candidates should demonstrate an intelligent interest in current events, both nationally and internationally.
General Awareness: The interview is not a test of specialized or general knowledge previously assessed in written exams but rather a gauge of the candidate’s awareness and curiosity about ongoing developments.

Merit List and Allotment

Final merit is based on marks in the Main Examination and the interview.
Candidates are allocated to services based on merit and their indicated preferences.
Reserved category candidates may be considered with relaxed standards if necessary.

Medical Fitness

Candidates must be mentally and physically fit. Medical examinations will be conducted as per government rules.

Tie-Breaking Criteria

In case of ties, the order of merit is determined first by interview marks, then by marks in compulsory papers, followed by General Studies papers, and finally by date of birth.

Record of Satisfaction by Government

Success in the examination does not guarantee appointment unless the Government is satisfied with the candidate’s suitability.

Repeal and Savings

Previous rules inconsistent with these rules are repealed. Actions taken under the old rules are deemed to be under the new rules.

General Instructions for Preliminary and Main Examinations

1. Compulsory Attendance:

• Preliminary Examination: Candidates must appear for both papers in the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination. Absence from either paper results in disqualification.

2. Writing Requirements:

• Own Handwriting: Candidates must write their answers in their own handwriting. Assistance from a scribe is not allowed, except for blind candidates and those with significant disabilities.

3. Assistance for Disabled Candidates:

• Scribe Allowance: Blind candidates and those with locomotor disability or cerebral palsy (with minimum 40% impairment) are permitted to use a scribe.
• Compensatory Time: A compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is provided for these candidates.

4. Eligibility and Conduct of Scribes:

• Scribe Guidelines: The eligibility and conduct of a scribe, including their role and extent of assistance, are governed by specific Public Service Commission instructions.
• Violation Consequences: Any violation of these instructions may lead to the cancellation of the candidate’s candidature.

5. Visual Impairment Classification:

• Criteria: Candidates are classified based on visual impairment percentage, ranging from Category O (20%) to Category IV (100%).
• Determination: The visual impairment percentage is determined using standard visual acuity measurements.

6. Certification for Concessions:

• Medical Certification: Candidates claiming concessions for blindness must provide a certificate from a Government Medical Board.

7. Specific Concessions:

• Myopia: Concessions for blind candidates are not applicable to those suffering from myopia.

8. Qualifying Marks:

• Discretionary Marks: The Commission has the discretion to fix qualifying marks for any or all subjects of the examination.

9. Handwriting and Presentation:

• Legibility: Marks may be deducted for illegible handwriting.
• Expression: Credit is given for orderly, effective, and precise expression with an economy of words.

10. Units and Numerals:

• SI Units: The use of SI units is mandatory in question papers.
• Numerals: Only the International form of Indian numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) should be used.

11. Calculators:

• Allowed Calculators: Scientific (Non-Programmable) calculators are permitted for conventional exams.
• Prohibited Calculators: Programmable calculators are not allowed and the use of such calculators is considered an unfair practice.
• Calculator Usage: Calculators cannot be used for objective type papers, and loaning or interchanging calculators is prohibited.

List of optional subjects for Main Examination:

1. Agriculture
2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
3. Anthropology
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Civil Engineering
7. Commerce and Accountancy
8. Economics
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Geography
11. Geology
12. History
13. Law
14. Management
15. Mathematics
16. Mechanical Engineering
17. Medical Science
18. Philosophy
19. Physics
20. Political Science and International Relations
21. Psychology
22. Public Administration
23. Sociology
24. Statistics
25. Zoology
26. Literature of any one of the following languages: Arabic, Dogri, English, Hindi, Kashmiri, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit and Urdu.