For the past decade, the recruitment of Naib Tehsildars in the Revenue Department of Jammu and Kashmir has remained a subject of growing concern among aspiring candidates. JKSSB last announced recruitment for this post in 2015, with the examination conducted in 2018 and results declared in 2020. Now, as 2025 starts, the prolonged delay in announcing new vacancies has left many aspirants disappointed, frustrated, and, in some cases, many candidates have become inelligible due to over age..In this article we will discuss in Detail regarding the eligibility criteria for Naib Tehsildar recruitment, the confusion surrounding it, and potential solutions to address these issues.
Did you why Naib Tehsildar in J&K is one of the favourite post for JKSSB aspirants is its high reputation and salary structure. Moreover Naib Teshildar has good career prospects and the Starting salary of JKSSB naib tehsildar is Rs 62000/-. If you would like to know about the Pay-Scale and salary structure of Naib Tehsildar, do check our previous post on JKSSB Naib Teshsildar in J&K’s revenue department
10 Years is a No Small thing
The lack of new job notifications for the Naib Tehsildar post since 2015 has raised serious questions. The delay has caused candidates who were eligible in previous years to exceed the age limit of 40 years, rendering them unable to apply. Many aspirants had invested significant time and effort in preparing for the examination, only to find themselves excluded due to these prolonged intervals between recruitment cycles.
Key Timeline Highlights:
- 2015: Recruitment notification issued.
- 2016-17: Court Case regarding NT Exam
- 2018: Written examination conducted.
- 2020: Results declared.
- 2021: Recommendations given
- 2025: No new notification issued, marking a decade-long gap.
Eligibility Criteria Overview
To understand the core issues, it is essential to revisit the eligibility criteria outlined in the 2015 notification. These criteria included:
- Age Limit: 18 to 40 years as of the application date.
- Educational Qualification: Graduation with knowledge of Urdu.
While the age limit remains a fixed parameter, the educational qualification has emerged as serious concern among job seekers preparing for Naib Tehsildar Exam.
Confusion over JKSSB Naib Tehsildar Educational Qualification
The primary point of ambiguity lies in whether the “knowledge of Urdu” is still a mandatory criterion for eligibility. In the 2015 notification, candidates were required to have graduation along with knowledge of Urdu, which was assessed during the selection process. However, recent rumors and unofficial statements suggest that the upcoming recruitment may not include this requirement, creating confusion among potential applicants.
Implications of the Ambiguity
- Disadvantage to Urdu Learners: Aspirants who have invested time in learning Urdu specifically to meet this criterion may feel sidelined if it is removed.
- Uncertainty in Preparation: Candidates remain unsure of whether to focus on Urdu as part of their preparation or allocate time to other aspects of the exam.
- Eligibility Doubts: Graduates without Urdu knowledge remain hesitant about their eligibility, leading to unnecessary anxiety.
Will Urdu be excluded from the qualifications for Naib Tehsildar?
This remains a contentious issue as the current eligibility criteria for the Naib Tehsildar post in J&K significantly favor job aspirants from one region. Urdu is taught up to the matriculation level in Kashmir, whereas in Jammu, Hindi is the primary language. As a result, candidates from the Kashmir region hold an advantage, often securing a larger share of positions in the selection list.
Following the reorganization of J&K in 2019 and the creation of the Ladakh UT and the UT of J&K, the Ladakh administration revised the eligibility criteria for Naib Tehsildar posts by removing Urdu as a required qualification. However, this change has not yet been implemented in J&K. So far, no official SRO or circular has been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) to eliminate Urdu as a qualification for these posts.
As of now, we can only await the official notification from the JKSSB to confirm whether any changes will be introduced to the criteria for Naib Tehsildar recruitment.
On November 29, 2022, several newspapers and online platforms, including credible sources like Daily Excelsior and Greater Kashmir, reported that Urdu might be dropped from the qualifications for the Naib Tehsildar post. Despite these reports, no government order has been issued to substantiate this claim. You can refer to the Daily Excelsior article for details about the rumored removal of Urdu as a qualification.
Solutions to Resolve the JKSSB Naib Tehsildar Eligibility Confusion
Addressing this uncertainty is crucial to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. Below are potential steps candidates and authorities can take:
1. File an RTI Application
Filing a Right to Information (RTI) application with the Revenue Department of Jammu and Kashmir can clarify the current eligibility criteria for the Naib Tehsildar position. This approach allows candidates to obtain official confirmation regarding the inclusion or exclusion of the “knowledge of Urdu” requirement.
Steps to File an RTI Application:
- Draft a clear and concise RTI application, addressing it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Revenue Department or JKSSB.
- Request specific information regarding the eligibility criteria, particularly the educational qualifications.
- Submit the application online or through designated RTI offices, following the standard procedures.
- Await the response, which must be provided within 30 days as per RTI norms.
2. Seek Official Clarifications
Candidates can reach out directly to JKSSB through emails, helplines, or public grievance portals to seek clarifications. Additionally, aspiring candidates can collectively submit a formal request to JKSSB, urging the board to issue an official statement addressing the ambiguity.
3. Engage in Advocacy
Civil society groups, educators, and candidates’ associations can play a significant role in advocating for timely and transparent recruitment processes. Organized campaigns can put pressure on authorities to resolve the confusion and ensure accountability.
4. Petition the Government
Filing a petition with the government or approaching the judiciary to address the recruitment delays and eligibility confusion is another viable solution. Such actions often bring greater attention to the issue and compel authorities to act swiftly.
Addressing Age-Related Concerns
Another significant concern is the age limit of 18 to 40 years, which excludes many aspirants who have crossed the upper age limit due to the delay in recruitment. To address this, JKSSB could consider implementing the following measures:
- Age Relaxation for Overaged Candidates: Authorities can introduce a one-time age relaxation for candidates who have become overaged due to the recruitment delay. This measure would allow deserving candidates to apply despite exceeding the age limit.
- Frequent Recruitment Cycles: Establishing a regular recruitment schedule would prevent future occurrences of similar issues and ensure consistent opportunities for eligible candidates.
Conclusion
The JKSSB Naib Tehsildar recruitment holds significant importance for candidates aspiring to serve in the Revenue Department of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the prolonged delay and confusion surrounding eligibility criteria have left aspirants disheartened. To ensure fairness and transparency, it is imperative that JKSSB addresses these concerns promptly. Filing RTIs, seeking clarifications, and advocating for policy changes are effective ways for candidates to take proactive steps in resolving these issues.
The road ahead demands collective effort from both authorities and candidates to ensure that merit prevails and opportunities are accessible to all eligible aspirants. With clear communication, timely actions, and policy reforms, the JKSSB can restore faith in its recruitment processes and pave the way for a brighter future for aspiring Naib Tehsildars.