SRINAGAR: A recent interview schedule issued by the University of Kashmir for several posts in the departments of Electronics and Instrumentation Technology and Zoology has triggered concerns over transparency in the shortlisting process.
The notice, dated July 25, 2025, lists the interview dates between August 5 and 7 for different categories of candidates. However, the University has stated that call letters will be sent only to shortlisted candidates via email, with no public disclosure of the shortlist or the basis for selection.
Critics argue that the absence of a publicly available shortlist raises serious questions about the fairness of the process. “When the University does not publish the list of shortlisted candidates along with their merit details, it leaves room for doubts,” said one concerned applicant, adding that “the decision to communicate individually via email, instead of making the selection process open, makes it look non-transparent.”
Allegations have also emerged that the shortlisting has overlooked significant academic achievements. Candidates claim that awards from prestigious institutions, including Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and international universities, have not been considered in the merit assessment. “If such recognitions are ignored, it undermines merit-based recruitment and creates suspicion that selections are influenced by personal connections,” another aspirant remarked.
The University’s notice does not explain the criteria used for shortlisting nor address why awards of national and international standing have been excluded from consideration. The lack of clarity, combined with the closed method of informing candidates, has led to speculation that the interview calls may favour relatives or acquaintances of insiders.
The University has said that the interview schedule for other subjects will be uploaded on its website in due course and has advised candidates to visit the official site for updates. But for those already excluded from the Zoology and Electronics interviews without explanation, the silence is raising more questions than answers.
“The shortlisted candidates details are already available on website,” a senior officer from the University executive said. “With regards to giving points to awards, the authorization was sought by the DIQA (Directorate of Internal Quality Assuarance) for which category points will be given.”
