Ganderbal MLA

**Educated Youth Demand End to MTS Qualification Cap in J&K**

April 4, 2026 | Srinagar:
A large number of unemployed youth and job aspirants from across Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the government to urgently review and revise the qualification criteria prescribed for the recruitment of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts.

The aspirants have voiced serious concern over the existing eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, which restrict candidates to a minimum qualification of 10th pass and a maximum of 12th standard. According to them, the upper qualification limit has effectively barred thousands of graduates and postgraduates from even applying for these posts.

Describing the rule as unfair and discriminatory, the aggrieved youth stated that the policy deprives highly educated candidates of the opportunity to compete for government jobs at a time when employment avenues in the Union Territory are already limited. They argued that restricting candidates on the basis of higher qualifications contradicts the fundamental principle of equal opportunity in public employment.

Many aspirants also pointed out that a similar issue was recently addressed in Ladakh, where the administration revised the eligibility criteria for MTS posts and removed the upper qualification limit. They termed the move as progressive and inclusive, allowing broader participation of candidates in the recruitment process.

The youth questioned why the same opportunity is not being extended to candidates in Jammu and Kashmir despite facing comparable challenges of unemployment and limited job opportunities.

It is pertinent to mention that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has recently constituted a committee to examine the issue of the qualification cap for MTS posts. However, as per reports, the committee is yet to submit its recommendations, which has further increased anxiety among the affected aspirants.

In their appeal, the youth have urged political representatives to raise the matter in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly so that the concerns of educated unemployed youth receive urgent attention and discussion at the legislative level.

The aspirants have demanded the immediate removal of the upper qualification limit for MTS posts, adoption of an inclusive recruitment policy similar to that implemented in Ladakh, and a detailed discussion on the issue in the Assembly to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.

Expressing hope for a positive response, the aspirants urged the government to take prompt corrective measures and review the existing policy to prevent further frustration among the educated unemployed population.

“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a fair opportunity to compete for government jobs without arbitrary restrictions on higher qualifications,” the aspirants said while appealing to the government to address the issue in the interest of thousands of deserving candidates across the region.