Opinion | Merit vs.Quotas : The Tough Road for Open Merit Students in J&K

Merit-based students accept reservations, but where is their place? If quotas keep expanding without more opportunities, does hard work still count?

Amid the ongoing changes in Jammu & Kashmir’s reservation policy, there is a silent group that rarely finds a place in discussions—the open merit students. Their struggles are not loud, nor do they have a community or political backing to fight for their rights. But their challenges are real, and their stories deserve to be heard. While the intent behind reservations is to uplift marginalized communities, it has inadvertently created a situation where students relying solely on merit find themselves at a disadvantage. For decades, students from the General Category in Jammu & Kashmir believed that hard work and academic excellence would be enough to secure a bright future. They studied late into the night, sacrificed their social lives, and dedicated themselves to their dreams, trusting that merit would be the key to success. But as reservation quotas expand, they are beginning to feel like their efforts don’t count as much anymore. The percentage of seats available under open merit is shrinking, and securing admissions or government jobs has become an uphill battle.
Imagine a student who scores 85% in a competitive exam but fails to get admission to a medical college, while another student with a much lower score gets in through a reserved quota. It’s not about questioning the need for reservations—social upliftment is necessary—but the concern is about fairness. Shouldn’t merit also be a deciding factor in shaping the future of a society. In recent years, Jammu & Kashmir’s reservation policy has undergone significant transformation. With the abrogation of Article 370, the region’s laws were aligned with the national reservation system, bringing new categories under its ambit. The most notable change has been the inclusion of the Pahari community under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. While this move was welcomed by many, it also sparked concerns among communities like the Gujjar-Bakarwals, who fear losing their share of opportunities.
Additionally, the introduction of the 10% Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota was supposed to provide relief to struggling students from the General Category. However, in reality, it hasn’t solved the problem. The eligibility criteria for EWS are strict, and many students, despite financial hardships, do not qualify. The idea that all General Category students come from privileged backgrounds is simply not true. There are countless students in villages and small towns who lack access to quality education, financial resources, and social networks, yet they receive no special support.
Merit-based students are not against reservations. They understand the need to uplift historically disadvantaged groups. But the fundamental question remains—where do they stand in this system? If reservation quotas keep increasing without a proportional rise in overall opportunities, what happens to those who rely purely on their hard work?
In many cases, open merit students feel like they are being punished for something beyond their control. They are expected to compete at an extremely high level, while others with significantly lower scores find easier pathways. This creates frustration and a growing sense of helplessness. Some students even consider leaving Jammu & Kashmir in search of better opportunities elsewhere, believing that the system at home does not reward merit. But should they have to leave their own land to find fairness.The solution does not lie in scrapping reservations but in ensuring that merit is not sidelined. There are ways to create a balance where social justice and meritocracy can coexist.
One of the most effective ways would be to increase the total number of seats in educational institutions and government jobs. If the overall pie grows, then both reserved and open merit students can benefit without one group feeling left out. Another approach is to expand financial aid and scholarships, not just based on caste but on economic need. There are many deserving students who may not fall under a reserved category but still struggle financially. Providing them with support can level the playing field to some extent.Moreover, there should be a greater emphasis on skill-based education and private sector job creation. If government jobs remain the only dream for most youth, competition will continue to be intense, and frustration will grow. Encouraging entrepreneurship, skill development, and private sector growth can open up alternative pathways to success.
It is important to have a conversation that includes everyone—those who benefit from reservations and those who rely on merit. The goal should be to build a system that uplifts the marginalized without making others feel excluded.Policymakers must recognize that true progress means fairness for all. It means creating an environment where students, regardless of their background, feel that their hard work will pay off. It means ensuring that no one is left feeling like they have no place in their own land. For now, open merit students continue to push forward, often unseen and unheard. Their struggle may not make headlines, but it is real. And if we truly believe in justice and equality, their voices, too, deserve to be heard.
Author Mariya Noor is a writer from Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on education, youth empowerment, and social justice. A strong advocate for the rights of General Category students in the valley, she highlights their struggles and the need for fairness in opportunities. Reach her at mnoorkashmir@gmail.com.