J&K Police Recruitment Rules Amended;The Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960, introducing a new recruitment mechanism that provides eligible Special Police Officers (SPOs) and in-service followers an opportunity to enter the constable cadre.
Under the amended rules, recruitment to the rank of constable will now be conducted through three channels:
- 80% through direct recruitment
- 15% through absorption of eligible SPOs
- 5% through promotion of eligible in-service followers
The Home Department notified the amendment on September 7, 2026, through S.O. 237, issued from the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar/Jammu.
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New Rule 174-A Introduced
The amendment inserts Rule 174-A after Rule 174 of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960. The provision has been notified under Section 43(3) of the Police Act, Samvat 1983.
Eligibility for SPOs
Under the new provision, SPOs seeking absorption into the constable cadre must:
- Have completed at least three years of engagement.
- Fulfil the prescribed educational qualification.
- Meet the required physical standards.
- Qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Have demonstrated excellent performance in counter-insurgency operations, duly approved by the competent authority.
Eligibility for In-Service Followers
For in-service followers, the amended rules require:
- At least five years of service.
- The prescribed educational qualification.
- Compliance with the required physical standards.
- Qualification in the Physical Standard Test (PST) as applicable under the rules in force.
Order Issued by J&K Government
The amendment has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department.
The notification, bearing number S.O. 237, was issued on September 7, 2026, from the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar/Jammu.
What the Amendment Means
The revised recruitment structure creates a defined pathway for eligible SPOs and serving followers to join the constable cadre, while retaining 80% of constable recruitment for direct recruitment.
The new provisions also place specific emphasis on service experience, physical standards and, in the case of SPOs, proven performance in counter-insurgency operations.