Srinagar: Class 12 students in Kashmir may experience delays in starting college because the academic calendars of the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) and the Higher Education Department (HED) are increasingly out of sync.
With the government reinstating the November exam session for classes 10 to 12, this year’s annual exams were moved to November. According to the provisional schedule, class 12 results are expected in January or February 2026, whereas colleges will begin their new academic year only between July and August.
As a result, students completing class 12 will face an idle gap of almost six to seven months before they can enroll in college.
“Last year, the government restored the November session for schools only. Students up to class 11 remain entirely within the JKBOSE system, so they are unaffected,” an official told Greater Kashmir. “But the transition gap between JKBOSE and colleges will affect this year’s class 12 pass-outs.”
The official said no formal communication has been issued yet, but the gap is inevitable under the current timelines. “Students will be forced to sit idle for around six months until new admissions open in colleges. The system is not in sync and requires immediate attention,” the official said, warning that such a prolonged break could disrupt academic momentum and add to students’ stress.
Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Higher Education Department, Shantmanu-who also holds additional charge of JKBOSE Chairman—acknowledged the issue. He confirmed that the class 12 results would be declared by January or early February.
“This is a serious issue, as the college academic session will continue as per the existing schedule. So students will have to wait after qualifying for class 12 exams,” he said.
He added that the Higher Education Department may consider introducing short-term crash courses to keep students engaged until the college admission process begins. “Let us see what can be done,” he said. (GK)
