Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board Blacklists Merittrac Services for Exam Irregularities

Jammu, September 1, 2023: The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has ordered the blacklisting of Merittrac Services Pvt Ltd for a period of two years over irregularities in conducting exams held in March 2022. 

As per the order, Merittrac was entrusted with conducting OMR-based exams for Accounts Assistant (Finance), Junior Engineer (Civil) and Sub Inspector (Home) posts in March 2022. However, certain irregularities were reported in these exams, leading the J&K government to cancel them. 

The matter was referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which registered FIRs against Merittrac and its officials. 

JKSSB held that Merittrac failed to ensure the sanctity and security of the exam process as per the work order's terms and conditions. This compromised the purity and integrity of the exams and led to their cancellation.

After giving an opportunity for being heard, JKSSB concluded that Merittrac's reply was not satisfactory. The agency was held responsible for the leakage of question papers by subletting the confidential exam work to another agency.

As per GFR 2017 rules and considering the seriousness of the violations, JKSSB has ordered the blacklisting of Merittrac Services for two years in Jammu and Kashmir. The period could be extended by one year if Merittrac is convicted in the ongoing CBI probe.

The action aims to uphold transparency, fairness and integrity in competitive exams conducted by JKSSB for government recruitment.

The main reasons for JKSSB blacklisting Merittrac Services are:

1. Merittrac failed to ensure 100% secrecy and security of the exam process as per the work order conditions. This compromised the purity and integrity of the exams.
2. There were irregularities reported in the Accounts Assistant, Junior Engineer, and Sub Inspector exams held in March 2022 that Merittrac conducted. This led to the cancellation of these exams. 
3. The CBI investigation found Merittrac officials involved in the exam irregularities. FIRs were registered against the company and its officials.
4. Merittrac is accused of leaking question papers by subletting the confidential exam work to another agency, which is unacceptable.
5. Merittrac's response to the show cause notice issued by JKSSB was found unsatisfactory and unconvincing. 
6. The agency's actions led to the compromised integrity and fairness of the competitive exam process resulting in huge losses for JKSSB and other stakeholders.
7. As per GFR rules, the violations by Merittrac warranted blacklisting to uphold transparency and fairness in exams for government recruitment.

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