Universities and higher education institutions in India will now have the flexibility to admit students twice a year, similar to the admission process followed by universities abroad, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadeesh Kumar. This new policy will commence from the 2024-25 academic session, with two admission cycles in July-August and January-February.
“If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students,” said UGC Chairman Kumar on Tuesday. “For instance, those who missed admission in the July-August session due to delayed board results, health issues, or personal reasons can now apply in January-February. This biannual admission process will help maintain student motivation as they won’t have to wait a full year if they miss a cycle.”
Currently, UGC regulations allow higher education institutions (HEIs) to admit students only once per academic year, beginning in July-August. An academic session spans twelve months, from July-August to May-June.
The UGC had previously decided during its 571st commission meeting on July 25, 2023, to permit biannual admissions for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes starting January and July each year. In July 2022, 19,73,056 students enrolled, with an additional 4,28,854 joining in January 2023 through ODL and online programs.
Given the positive response and interest in ODL and online biannual admissions, the UGC, in its meeting on May 15 this year, made a policy decision to extend this option to regular mode programs. HEIs can now admit students twice a year, either in January-February or July-August, from the upcoming academic year.
Institutions that have the required infrastructure and teaching faculty can take advantage of this opportunity to increase student intake and offer new programs in emerging areas. Offering biannual admissions is not mandatory; it is a flexible option provided by the UGC for institutions seeking to expand their enrollment and program offerings. To implement this, HEIs must amend their institutional regulations accordingly.
“With biannual admissions in place, industries can also conduct campus recruitment twice a year, improving employment opportunities for graduates,” added Kumar. Biannual admissions will also help HEIs plan their resources, such as faculty, labs, classrooms, and support services, more efficiently, leading to better functional flow within the university.
Kumar noted that universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian institutions adopt this cycle, it could enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges, improving global competitiveness and aligning with global educational standards.
Biannual admissions can significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and help India become a ‘Global Study Destination,’ as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kumar emphasized that HEIs adopting biannual admissions need to address administrative intricacies, plan for the efficient use of resources, and provide seamless support systems for students admitted at different times of the year.
“HEIs can maximize the benefits of biannual admissions only if they adequately prepare faculty members, staff, and students for the transition,” Kumar concluded.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Asmat Riyaz shared her achievements. In 2023, she scored 534 points in NEET-2023, securing a seat in the BDS program at Government Dental College Srinagar. However, her primary goal was to secure a seat in the MBBS program, for which she achieved 603 points.
Asmat detailed her educational journey, stating, “I completed my primary education at New Era Islamia Public School in my native village, Yadipora, from Nursery to 8th grade. Subsequently, I attended MET Sopore and Government Higher School Palhallan Pattan for my 9th to 12th grade.”
She highlighted that she prepared for the NEET exams through self-study, which she found beneficial as it allowed her to tailor her study schedule to her preferences. Asmat also used YouTube channels to clarify her concepts.
“My brother has been an invaluable source of support and guidance. He passed the CET exams in 2016, and with his help, I was able to succeed in the NEET exams in both 2023 and 2024,” she said.
Asmat also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her parents during her preparation. She noted that students who cannot afford coaching centers can still prepare for NEET using study materials available on the internet and YouTube, which are accessible resources for self-study globally.
“Students should never lose hope. With hard work, they too can succeed in qualifying for the NEET exams,” Asmat encouraged.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is set to release Class 12th exam results in early June.
According to a top official speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the annual regular exam results for Class 12th are expected to be announced by the end of the first week of June. The official mentioned that the results are almost prepared, with final formalities underway. They aim to declare the results in the final days of the first week of June.
These annual regular exams for Class 12th were conducted in March 2024. Students are eagerly awaiting their results, which will significantly impact their academic and career paths.
There are about 42 Government,13 Private Grant-in-Aid degree colleges and 7 Professional Institutions(Govt. Managed) in Kashmir Division. In kashmir there 8 Oriental Colleges and 75 Non Government affiliated Colleges also in Kashmir as per the data available by Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department. The colleges in Kashmir province are located in 10 districts. These districts include, Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Shopian and Bandipora. All the degree colleges of Kashmir Division are affiliated to the University of Kashmir.
District Anantnag
1.Govt. Degree College, Dooru
2.Govt. Degree College, Bijbehara
3.Govt. Womens College Anantnag
4.Govt. Boys College, Anantnag
5.Govt. Degree College, Kokernag
6.Govt. Degree College, Uttersoo, Anantnag
7.Govt Degree College, Vailoo, Lamoo Anantnag
District Bandipora
8.Hassan Shah Khoi-e-Hami Memorial Govt. Degree College, Bandipora
Education in the region of Jammu and Kashmir operates within a comprehensive 5-tier framework, encompassing primary schools, middle schools, higher secondary schools, colleges, and universities. The literacy landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed notable developments, with the 2011 census reporting a literacy rate of 68%. However, recent years have seen a noteworthy increase in these figures.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Education In KasHmir
While the literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir has shown an encouraging upward trajectory, reaching 77.30%, it’s worth noting that the female literacy rate stands at 68%. This is marginally lower than the nationwide female literacy rate of 70.30%. On a broader national scale, male literacy rates also outpace their female counterparts, with 84.70% for men compared to 70.30% for women. In Jammu and Kashmir, efforts to promote gender equality in education are evident, yet disparities in access to education persist, particularly along rural-urban lines.
A recent survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that the male literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir has reached an impressive 85.70%, far surpassing the female literacy rate of 68%. Notably, the survey highlights variations in literacy rates between rural and urban areas. Urban female literacy stands at 75.70%, while their rural counterparts lag slightly at 66%. Within rural areas, only 8.4% of males and 2.8% of females in Jammu and Kashmir hold graduate-level qualifications or higher.
Further insights from the survey show that in rural areas of the state, 86.5% of schools offering primary-level classes are conveniently located within one kilometer of households. In comparison, 76.2% of primary/middle-level schools and 29.5% of secondary-level schools are similarly accessible. It’s important to note that during the 2011 census, the literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir was recorded at 67.16%. Male literacy at that time was 76.75%, while female literacy was at 56.43%. Literacy, in this context, is defined as the percentage of individuals aged seven years and above who can read and write a simple message in any language with understanding, as per NSS surveys.
Universities in Kashmir in the Year 2023-24. Name, website, phone number, email ID and contact address of top new Government Universities and Private Universities. Central, State Universities and Deemed Universities.
1.University of Kashmir:
+91 (194) 227 2096,
POSTAL ADDRESS:Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India, 190006
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology
www.skuastkashmir.ac.in
Phone No: 194-2461257
E-mail: provc@skuastkashmir.ac.in
Address: SKUAST, Srinagar, Kashmir 190025
Central University of Kashmir / Image Source Facebook of CUK
Kashmiri Youth: Education-Loving People
Kashmir, a region known for its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, has also been a hub of intellectual growth and academic excellence. The Kashmiri youth, often portrayed in the media as being caught in the crossfire of political unrest, have demonstrated a remarkable resilience and a deep-rooted passion for education.
One of the most striking features of Kashmiri youth is their unwavering dedication to education. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited access to educational resources and the threat of violence, they continue to pursue their academic goals with unwavering determination. This commitment to education is evident in the high enrollment rates in schools and universities across the region.
Kashmiri youth have excelled in various academic disciplines, from science and technology to humanities and social sciences. They have achieved remarkable success in national and international competitions, showcasing their intellectual prowess and potential. Many Kashmiri students have gone on to study at prestigious universities around the world, contributing to the global intellectual landscape.
The pursuit of education has not only provided Kashmiri youth with opportunities for personal and professional growth but has also empowered them to become agents of positive change. They have used their knowledge and skills to address the challenges facing their community, from promoting peace and reconciliation to advocating for social justice.
However, the challenges faced by Kashmiri youth in accessing quality education remain significant. The region’s political instability and economic hardships have limited the availability of educational infrastructure and resources. Many schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed due to violence, disrupting the educational process.
Despite these challenges, the Kashmiri youth’s love for education remains undiminished. They continue to strive for academic excellence, defying the odds and proving that their intellectual potential is boundless. By investing in their education and providing them with the necessary support, we can help to unleash the full potential of these young people and build a brighter future for Kashmir.
Government Educational Institutions in Kashmir Valley
Institution Name
Type of Institution
Location (Kashmir Valley)
Main Area of Education
University of Kashmir
State University
Srinagar
Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Research
National Institute of Technology Srinagar
Central Institute
Srinagar
Engineering & Technology
National Institute of Fashion Technology Srinagar
Central Institute
Srinagar
Fashion & Design
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences
Government Medical Institute
Srinagar
Medicine, Super-Speciality & Research
Government Medical College Srinagar
Government Medical College
Srinagar
MBBS & Postgraduate Medicine
Government Medical College Anantnag
Government Medical College
Anantnag
MBBS & Clinical Training
Government Medical College Baramulla
Government Medical College
Baramulla
MBBS & Healthcare Education
Government Dental College Srinagar
Government Dental College
Srinagar
Dental Education & Practice
Government College of Engineering and Technology Safapora
Government Engineering College
Ganderbal (Safapora)
Engineering
Government Polytechnic College Srinagar
Kashmir Valley is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its strong tradition of learning and education. Over the years, the region has developed a solid network of government educational institutions that provide quality education in engineering, medicine, science, arts, fashion, and technical fields. These institutions play a key role in shaping the future of Kashmiri youth by offering affordable, reliable, and recognised education close to home.
Below is a clear and updated introduction to only those government institutions located in Kashmir Valley. No institutions from Jammu or Ladakh are included.
National Institute of Technology Srinagar (NIT Srinagar)
NIT Srinagar is one of the most respected engineering institutes in Kashmir Valley. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in engineering and technology. The institute is known for its academic standards, experienced faculty, and scenic campus located near Dal Lake.
National Institute of Fashion Technology Srinagar (NIFT Srinagar)
NIFT Srinagar is a premier government institute for fashion and design education in Kashmir. It provides professional courses in fashion design, textile design, and related fields, helping students enter creative and industry-focused careers.
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS)
SKIMS is the leading government medical and research institute in Kashmir Valley. It offers medical education, specialised training, and advanced healthcare services. The institute is also a major referral hospital for the region.
Government Medical College Srinagar
Government Medical College Srinagar is one of the oldest medical institutions in Kashmir. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and is attached to major hospitals, giving students strong clinical exposure.
Government Medical College Anantnag
GMC Anantnag is an important government medical college serving South Kashmir. It focuses on producing skilled doctors while improving healthcare access in the region.
Government Medical College Baramulla
Located in North Kashmir, GMC Baramulla plays a vital role in medical education and public health services. It supports both academic learning and hospital-based training.
Government Dental College Srinagar
This institution provides quality dental education and training. It prepares students for professional dental practice while also offering dental care services to the public.
Government College of Engineering and Technology Safapora
GCET Safapora is a key government engineering college in Kashmir Valley. It offers engineering courses aimed at meeting regional and national technical needs.
Government Polytechnic College Srinagar
This polytechnic college provides diploma-level technical education in various engineering and vocational fields, helping students gain practical skills for employment.
University of Kashmir
The University of Kashmir is the main public university of the Valley. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes and acts as the academic backbone for many government degree colleges across Kashmir.
Closing Note
These government institutions form the core of higher and professional education in Kashmir Valley. They ensure that students have access to recognised education without leaving the region. Together, they reflect Kashmir’s deep respect for learning and its continued investment in the future of its youth.
