Srinagar, September 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday amended the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960, introducing a new framework for appointment to the rank of Constable and has given major relief to SPOs.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department on September 7, 2026, a new Rule 174-A has been inserted into the J&K Police Rules, 1960, specifying how Constable posts will be filled.
Under the amended rules, recruitment to the Constable rank will now be made through three channels:
- 80% through direct recruitment
- 15% through absorption of Special Police Officers (SPOs)
- 5% through promotion of in-service Followers
The 15% SPO quota will be available to personnel having a minimum of three years of engagement, subject to possessing the requisite educational qualification and physical standards. Eligible SPOs will also have to qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) as prescribed under the rules.
However, the notification specifies that the SPOs considered for absorption must have demonstrated excellent performance in Counter-Insurgency (CI) Operations, duly approved by the competent authority.
Meanwhile, 5% of Constable appointments will be made through promotion of in-service Followers who have completed at least five years of service. They too must fulfil the prescribed educational and physical requirements and qualify the PST.
The amendment has been issued by the J&K Home Department in exercise of powers conferred under Section 43(3) of the Police Act, Samvat 1983.
– What This Means
The major change is the introduction of a clearly defined 15% Constable absorption quota for eligible SPOs, alongside a 5% promotional quota for in-service Followers, while 80% of Constable posts will continue to be filled through direct recruitment.
