Merit and Public Trust

The recently declared results of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Judicial) (Mains) Examination, 2025, have sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the critical role of transparency and merit in public recruitment. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where civil service examinations are highly competitive, ensuring fairness is not just a procedural requirement; it is essential for sustaining public trust in governance. Government employees, as the operational face of the State, play a pivotal role in shaping this perception. Public perception of the State is shaped not only by its laws and policies but also by the integrity, competence, and accountability of those in public office. From a constitutional perspective, the recruitment process is particularly important, as it reflects the State’s commitment to the rule of law, equality, and fairness.

In a modern democratic polity, unlike traditional or patronage-based systems, public employment is constitutionally required to be based on merit and equal opportunity. Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India prohibit arbitrariness and guarantee equality of opportunity in public employment. The Supreme Court has reinforced this principle in landmark cases, in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), which recognised merit as a foundation for administrative efficiency, and Manoj Narula v. Union of India (2014), which emphasised that governance must conform to constitutional morality. Merit-based recruitment has therefore emerged as the most legitimate, rational, and judicially recognised method for selecting public servants.

To uphold these constitutional ideals, the Union has established independent recruitment bodies, most prominently the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). As a constitutional authority under Articles (315 to 323), the UPSC ensures transparent, impartial, and competitive selection processes, thereby reinforcing public trust and upholding the democratic ethos of governance.

At the Union Territory level, recruitment to civil services is conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), established to ensure fair, transparent, and merit-based selection. Its role is particularly significant in Jammu and Kashmir, a region marked by social, cultural, and political diversity, where public scrutiny of administrative processes is high.

The recent declaration of results of the Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Service Examination, 2025, have sparked significant public discussion among aspirants and the wider community. Dozens of candidates have protested and requested a review of the selection process, raising questions about the transparency of evaluation standards and the speed of result announcements. They have also sought detailed information on the evaluation methodology and centre-wise data from the JKPSC.

At the Mains stage of the Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Service Examination, transparency and clarity in evaluation are particularly important, as candidates’ final selection depends on the allocation of marks in subjective papers. To ensure fairness and maintain public confidence, the JKPSC should publish the marking scheme, including the criteria for awarding marks for each question and paper, on its official website either before or along with the declaration of results.

By proactively publishing marking schemes, evaluation criteria, and cut-off marks, the JKPSC can address legitimate grievances, reinforce public confidence, ensure fairness, and strengthen the legitimacy of merit-based selection in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Author is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University.