JKSSB AHTO Syllabus & Exam Pattern (2026)
This post explains the official syllabus and exact exam pattern for the Assistant Handicraft Training Officer (AHTO) written test. Use this as your primary study roadmap for the 120-mark/120-question Graduate level paper.
Note: The AHTO paper format previously used (2015) was 180 marks but the current Graduate level pattern is a 120 marks / 120 questions paper. The detailed topic list for each section appears below in the article — follow it exactly while making revision notes.
Tip: Use the section-wise table below to create a 6-week revision plan — spend one week on each section then take full-length 120-min mocks.
The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has officially announced the recruitment for 87 posts of Assistant Handicraft Training Officer (AHTO) under Advertisement Notification No. 13 of 2025. For candidates who have been waiting for a significant opportunity in the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, this is a milestone moment. The online application window for these prestigious positions is set to close on February 25, 2026.
It is important to note that this recruitment comes after a long gap of 10 years, as the last time JKSSB advertised these specific posts was back in 2015. This decade-long wait has finally ended, opening doors for thousands of aspirants across the Union Territory. In the sections below, we will dive deep into the updated JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Syllabus 2026 and the current exam pattern to help you prepare effectively.
Official announcement released today: JKSSB is recruiting 87 Assistant Handicraft Training Officers.
JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Syllabus 2026: Detailed Overview
The announcement of 87 JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer posts via Advt. No. 12 of 2025 has sparked immense interest among job seekers. Since the applications are closing on February 25, 2026, students are naturally searching for the most accurate and updated syllabus in PDF format.
While the core subjects remain largely consistent with the previous 2015 exam, the structure has undergone a significant modernization. In 2015, the JKSSB Question Paper for graduate-level exams consisted of 180 marks (180 questions). However, following policy changes after 2017, the board standardized the criteria for graduate-level exams to a 120-question (120 marks) format. This article details that 120-mark pattern, ensuring you are studying according to the latest standards.
JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Exam Pattern
The selection process for the AHTO position is straightforward and merit-based. Understanding the pattern is the first step toward success:
- Mode of Exam: The test will be an Objective Type Written Test consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Total Marks: The exam carries a total of 120 Marks.
- Duration: Candidates will be allotted 2.00 Hours (120 minutes) to complete the paper.
- Interview: There is No Interview for these posts; the final selection is based purely on the written test merit and document verification.
- Negative Marking: Standard JKSSB rules apply, meaning there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
Detailed JKSSB Syllabus for Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Written Test
To succeed in this competitive exam, you must cover six primary sections, each carrying 20 marks. The syllabus is designed to test your proficiency in English, general awareness, basic science, mental ability, and computer literacy. Below is the detailed breakdown of the JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Syllabus 2026.
Syllabus Breakdown Table
| Section | Topics Covered | Marks |
| General English | Tenses, Narration, Modals, Articles, Clauses, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Active & Passive Voice, Uses of Prepositions, Homonyms/Homophones, Rearranging of jumbled sentences. | 20 Marks |
| GK and Current Affairs | Indian History (Freedom Struggle), First in World/India, Popular Personalities, International Organisations (UNO, WHO, WTO, IMF, UNESCO), Regional Blocs (BRICS, SAARC, G-20), Sustainable Development Goals, World Awards, Sports, Climate/Crops, Rivers/Lakes. | 20 Marks |
| General Knowledge of J&K | Popular personalities of J&K, Weather, Climate, Transport, History, Economy and Culture of J&K, Flora and Fauna, Rivers and Lakes, Tourist destinations, J&K Panchayati Raj Act (amended 2020), J&K Reorganisation Act 2019. | 20 Marks |
| General Science | Sources of Energy (Conventional/Non-conventional), Mechanics (Newton’s Laws), Waves (Sound/Light), Voltage/Current/Resistance, Structure of Atom, Life Processes (Nutrition/Respiration), Vitamins and Diseases, Environmental Pollution, Ecosystem, Ozone Layer. | 20 Marks |
| Mental Ability Test | Number series, Letter series, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Blood Relations, Mathematical Reasoning, Speed, Distance and Time, Statements and Conclusions, Logical and Mental Reasoning. | 20 Marks |
| Computer Applications | Fundamentals of Computer Science, Hardware & Software, Input and Output Devices, Operating Systems (OS), MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Internet and Email. | 20 Marks |
Did you know? The JKSSB AHTO written test is now 120 marks (reduced from 180 in 2015). More than one lakh candidates typically apply for similar graduate-level posts — the difference between pass and fail is how well you cover the JKSSB syllabus, topic by topic.
In-Depth Analysis of Key Sections
1. General English (20 Marks)
This section evaluates your basic grammar and comprehension skills. Focus heavily on Active and Passive Voice and Direct/Indirect Narration, as these are high-yield topics in JKSSB graduate-level exams. Mastering prepositions and idioms will also provide a significant edge.
2. General Knowledge and Current Affairs (20 Marks)
Candidates should stay updated with national and international events from 2024 to 2026. Special emphasis is placed on International Organisations like the UNO and WHO, as well as recent environmental guidelines such as COVID-19 SOPs issued by NCDC. Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also mandatory for this section.
3. General Knowledge with Special Reference to UT of J&K (20 Marks)
This is arguably the most critical section for local aspirants. You must be thoroughly acquainted with the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019 and the updated Panchayati Raj Act. Understanding the geography—specifically the major rivers, lakes, and tourist hubs like Gulmarg and Pahalgam—is essential.
4. General Science (20 Marks)
The science portion is based on high-school-level Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Key areas include Newton’s Laws of Motion, the Structure of the Atom, and Vitamins. Environmental topics like the Green House Effect and Ozone Layer depletion are frequently asked.
5. Mental Ability and Reasoning (20 Marks)
This section tests your logical thinking. Regular practice of Number Series, Blood Relations, and Coding-Decoding is necessary. Don’t forget to practice Speed, Distance, and Time problems, which fall under mathematical reasoning.
6. Computer Applications (20 Marks)
In the modern workplace, digital literacy is a must. The JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Syllabus 2026 requires you to know the basics of hardware and software, but the core focus is often on MS Office tools (Excel and Word) and internet security/email protocols.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The syllabus has changed from the old 180-mark pattern to the new 120-mark standardized pattern. Ensure you study the updated topics mentioned in this guide.
Preparation Strategy for JKSSB AHTO 2026
Given that this recruitment is happening after a decade, the competition will be high. Aspirants should start by focusing on the J&K-specific general knowledge, as it often contains the most localized and detailed questions. Pairing this with daily practice of mental ability can secure 40 marks relatively quickly.
For the English and Science sections, NCERT textbooks remain the best resource. For current affairs, reading a national daily and following monthly J&K-centric magazines is highly recommended. Remember, with no interview, every single mark in the written test counts toward your final selection.
You may also want to check related information such as:
- JKSSB Assistant Handicraft Training Officer Recruitment 2025
- JKSSB Supervisor Recruitment 2026
- JKSSB Exam Calendar
Check the JKSSB Official Website for the Latest AHTO Syllabus Updates
For the most accurate and up-to-date information always verify the syllabus and any corrigendum on the JKSSB website: www.jkssb.nic.in. Look under “What’s New / Notifications / Recruitment” for the official PDF (it will be published as a notification/annexure). Download the official syllabus PDF from there, bookmark the page, and re-check it before finalising your preparation — the Board’s notice is the final authority.
