Class 12 pass-outs stare at 6-month college admission gap due to JKBOSE-HED calendar mismatch

Srinagar, Nov 29: Outgoing class 12 students in Kashmir are likely to face delays in college admissions due to a widening transition gap between the academic calendars of the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) and the Higher Education Department (HED).

The government’s decision to restore the November session for classes 10 to 12 shifted the annual exams to November this year. As per the tentative academic schedule, class 12 results are expected in January or February 2026, while the new academic session in colleges will begin only between July and August.

This misalignment will leave outgoing class 12 students with an idle period of nearly six to seven months before they can enter 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.