The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) exam age relaxation issue has intensified, creating a standoff between Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah, leaving aspirants in limbo just days before the scheduled examination.

The controversy revolves around a proposal to relax the upper age limit for JKAS aspirants. While the administration announced a partial relaxation on November 10, 2025, extending the upper age limit for open merit candidates from 30 to 35 years, a broader, one-time relaxation proposed by the J&K government awaits the LG's approval. The upper age limit for reserved categories was set at 37, and for persons with disabilities, 38.

According to the LG's office, the file regarding age relaxation was received on December 2, 2025, and promptly returned the same day with a query to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). The query sought to determine the logistical feasibility of conducting the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) on December 7, 2025, after incorporating modifications in eligibility criteria at such a late stage. Sinha stated that no response had been received from Lok Bhavan after four days, expressing sympathy for the young aspirants.

CM Abdullah has urged the JKPSC to consider postponing the CCE, citing "uncertainty" due to Lok Bhavan's "delay" in approving age relaxation. He also raised concerns about travel disruptions caused by airline issues, further compounding the stress on aspirants.

Political figures have voiced their concerns. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated that JKPSC CCE aspirants are caught in a tussle between the LG and the CM, urging both to resolve the issue. CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami said that conducting the test while such a crucial decision is pending places aspirants at a clear disadvantage and suggested the examination be deferred until the approval process is duly concluded.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the prolonged uncertainty. They emphasized that age relaxation is a fair and essential relief to ensure a level playing field for the youth of J&K, who have already faced limited opportunities, repeated disruptions, and systemic instability over the years. The JKSA urged both LG Sinha and CM Abdullah to intervene personally to ensure the proposal's approval and issue a written public notification immediately.

Adding to the confusion, National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq claimed that CM Abdullah had already approved the age relaxation file and forwarded it to LG Sinha for consent. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Jammu and Kashmir Lok Bhawan.

Aspirants have been demanding parity with other states, where the age limit ranges from 37 to 42 years. They point out that the current upper age limit in J&K stands at 32 years for Open Merit and 37 years for reserved categories, while states like Uttarakhand and Haryana have fixed the limit at 42, and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have capped it at 40 years.

With the JKAS preliminary exam just days away, the absence of clarity on age relaxation has created anxiety and confusion among candidates about their eligibility.