Srinagar, Dec. 7 -- Thousands of candidates appeared in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) Preliminary Examination held on Sunday across multiple designated centres in Jammu and Kashmir amid a major controversy over age relaxation and exam postponement.

The examination was conducted as scheduled despite sustained demands for deferment to allow aspirants awaiting an age relaxation order to apply. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had formally requested postponement of the exam, citing fairness concerns for candidates who had crossed the prescribed age limit and were expecting relaxation. A similar request was also made by Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi. However, both appeals were declined.

According to candidates and as...