A Decades-Long Career Path Finally Codified
In a major structural shift for law enforcement personnel across Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory administration has officially amended the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960, carving out a permanent recruitment quota for Special Police Officers (SPOs) and in-service departmental followers into the regular rank of Constable.
The amendment was formalized under notification S.O. 237, issued on September 7, 2026, signed by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Government (Home Department).
The New Three-Tier Recruitment Structure
Under the revised rules, all future vacancies in the rank of Constable in Jammu and Kashmir Police will now be divided into three clear statutory channels:
- 80% by Direct Recruitment: Open to qualified civilian youth across J&K who clear the standard written examination and physical endurance tests.
- 15% by Absorption of Eligible SPOs: Reserved exclusively for Special Police Officers who have completed a minimum of three continuous years of service and demonstrated exemplary conduct in counter-insurgency and law-and-order duties.
- 5% by Promotion of Departmental Followers: Dedicated to supporting staff and followers who have rendered at least five years of unblemished service in the police establishment.
Eligibility and Physical Benchmark Standards
While the amendment establishes a dedicated career ladder, corporation officials emphasized that operational standards will remain uncompromising. Both SPOs and followers seeking absorption or promotion must qualify the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and meet baseline educational requirements.
The move addresses a long-standing grievance among over 30,000 SPOs in J&K, who have routinely operated alongside regular police forces on frontline counter-terror and civic security details while drawing honorarium-based stipends without permanent pensionary benefits.
What Lies Ahead for Aspirants
Department officials indicated that the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and Police Headquarters (PHQ) are expected to incorporate the new reservation quotas in upcoming Constable recruitment advertisements scheduled for the current fiscal cycle.