Soura: Aspirants Express Discontent Over SKIMS Recruitment Process

Concerns Regarding Eligibility Standards

Aspirants aiming for teaching positions at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura have voiced their dissatisfaction with the recent recruitment process. They allege that it did not adhere to the updated eligibility standards set by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Claims by Candidates

A delegation of candidates has asserted that both the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and SKIMS failed to consider the revised requirements issued by the NMC when advertising faculty vacancies.

Details of the JKPSC Notification

The grievance pertains to JKPSC Notification No. 15-PSC (DR-P) of 2025, published on December 8, 2025. This notification invited online applications for various academic positions, including Assistant Professors across multiple disciplines. The aspirants argue that the advertisement does not reflect the amended provisions of the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025, which were established by the NMC to ensure a consistent supply of qualified healthcare professionals.

Insights from Aspirants

One anonymous aspirant told Greater Kashmir, “The new and revised norms come into effect from June 30, 2025, but even when the positions were advertised in December, SKIMS Soura did not consider it necessary to comply with the rules.” According to them, the revised eligibility criteria for the Assistant Professor position require a recognized postgraduate qualification, such as MD, MS, or DNB, alongside a minimum of two years of combined experience in a government hospital with at least 220 beds after completing postgraduate studies. Additionally, candidates must complete the Basic Course in Biomedical Research within two years of joining, a requirement the aspirants claim has not been adequately addressed in the notification.

Clarification on Non-Teaching Positions

As reported by The Daily, applicants for non-teaching consultant or specialist positions can apply even without the mandatory senior residency. Diploma holders with six years of post-diploma experience in recognized teaching institutions are also eligible. Furthermore, those with a postgraduate degree and ten years of cumulative experience in a minimum 220-bed government hospital can apply for the Associate Professor role. To qualify as a Professor, candidates must have three years of postgraduate teaching experience as a Senior Consultant in a recognized institution.

Request for Revision of Notification

The aspirants contend that both the JKPSC notification and SKIMS requisition are based on outdated criteria predating 2025. They are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the notification, arguing that it is unjust for more qualified candidates who meet the new national standards. “Faculty recruitment in medical institutions must adhere to uniform national norms prescribed by the NMC,” they emphasized. They warned that disregarding these regulations could lead to selections being deemed ultra-vires and void from the outset.