The Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir held a high-level meeting on April 11, 2025, at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. Shantmanu (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary of the department, led the session. The agenda focused on undergraduate (UG) admissions for 2025–26 and the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key participants included the Director of Colleges, academic deans, and registrars from the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, Cluster University Srinagar, and Cluster University Jammu. Principals from major autonomous colleges such as GCW Parade Jammu, GDC Baramulla, and Islamia College also attended.
Admission Process and Lateral Entry
The department introduced several measures to improve the UG admission process. Universities will now set up statutory provisions by the end of April to allow eligible polytechnic diploma holders to directly enter the 2nd year (3rd semester) of the Four-Year Undergraduate Program. This change aims to create smoother academic pathways for technical students.
Admissions will continue through both CUET and non-CUET modes. However, the department plans to review and optimize the timelines for better convenience. The Director of Colleges will coordinate the entire process and maintain close contact with universities to ensure adherence to deadlines.
Additionally, the department will reclassify colleges based on their use of CUET or non-CUET criteria. This classification will help inform students and institutions ahead of the admission cycle, reducing confusion and delays.
Implementation of NEP 2020: Transition to 4th Year
The meeting also focused on implementing the 4th year of UG programs under NEP 2020. Universities must finalize their policies for Honours and Honours with Research programs. These include guidelines for student admissions, faculty supervision, curriculum adjustments, evaluation methods, and alignment with 1-Year PG and Direct PhD programs.
To ensure a smooth transition, universities will offer 4th year programs at selected institutions. Students may need to shift colleges based on program availability. Authorities will roll out this shift in a phased manner and inform students about transfer options.
Universities must also offer multiple exit points after the 1st and 2nd year. These allow students to earn a certificate or diploma based on accumulated credits. Institutions will create implementation plans, specifying the credit requirements for each exit option.
Plans for Centralized Admission and Digital Learning
Recognizing the complexity of current admission procedures, Shantmanu directed the Director of Colleges to develop a centralized admission system. This system will standardize the process across institutions and improve overall efficiency.
The Financial Commissioner urged universities to complete statutory procedures that allow integration with the SWAYAM platform. This step will promote credit transferability and expand course options. Institutions must submit their Action Taken Reports to the Higher Education Department by the end of the month.
Enhancing CUET Access and Facilities
To improve student access to CUET exams, the department will collaborate with the National Testing Agency (NTA). Their goal is to increase the number of CUET centers in Jammu and Kashmir and improve testing facilities.
Commitment to Quality and Timely Execution
Shantmanu reaffirmed the department’s commitment to timely and effective implementation of NEP 2020. He praised the contributions of universities in supporting the policy’s goals and improving the quality of higher education in the Union Territory.
Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, emphasized that this meeting set a clear direction for future reforms. He noted that the decisions would help tackle challenges quickly and strengthen NEP execution.
