The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) pressed forward with its Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) today, sparking intense controversy over unresolved age relaxation proposals and severe travel disruptions affecting thousands of candidates.

The decision to conduct the exam on December 7 has ignited a fierce political clash between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, with key leaders and parties demanding a postponement in the interest of fairness and candidate welfare.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed urgently to the commission to delay the exam, citing “unprecedented mental and logistical stress” caused by widespread flight cancellations and the prolonged uncertainty over pending age relaxation approvals. In a letter to JKPSC, Abdullah described the circumstances as “extraordinary” and urged the commission to defer the exam to ensure equal opportunity for all aspirants.

However, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha rejected claims that Raj Bhavan had stalled the process. He clarified that the proposal for extending the upper age limit was returned on December 2—the very day it was received—along with a request for clarity on whether such changes could be implemented so close to the exam date.

Sinha noted that no response was received from the government for four days following the query. “I fully sympathise with young aspirants,” he said, but insisted that the exam must proceed as scheduled.

JKPSC chairman A K Choudhary confirmed that the exam remains on track but declined to comment further amid escalating tensions.

The political rift has only deepened, with opposition parties including the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and CPI(M) joining the chorus for postponement. NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq accused the Lieutenant Governor’s office of creating unnecessary hurdles, pointing out that age relaxations have been routinely granted in past years without controversy. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti lamented that aspirants were “caught in the crossfire” between political rivals, appealing for an immediate resolution to spare candidates from unfair disadvantage amid freezing winter conditions.

CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami echoed concerns over the decision to hold the exam without settling the age relaxation issue, warning that many candidates stranded due to flight cancellations were being unfairly penalized.

Chief Minister Abdullah’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani reiterated that the government supports raising the upper age limit and has already forwarded the proposal to Raj Bhavan. He confirmed the file was returned with queries and is now with JKPSC for consultation, emphasizing that the exam should not proceed until the matter is resolved.

As thousands of aspirants prepare to sit for the high-stakes exam amidst travel chaos and political deadlock, the JKPSC’s decision to move ahead has thrown fairness and equity into question, escalating anxiety across Jammu and Kashmir’s competitive exam community.