Keep exams in sync with academic calendar: Dir Colleges to universities, autonomous colleges

Srinagar, Dec 6: The Director of Colleges, Jammu and Kashmir, has asked the Universities and autonomous colleges of Jammu and Kashmir not to schedule any semester exams during the winter vacation period, commencing from December 27 of this year.

In an official communication, the Director of Colleges said the Higher Education Department (HED) has notified a Uniform Academic Calendar in line with the National Academic Calendar, which is to be followed by the Higher Education Institutions of J&K UT.

"This Calendar clearly outlines the timelines for academic sessions, vacations, and the conduct of semester-end examinations," an official communication addressed to the Dean Academic Affairs of Cluster Universities of J&K, besides Kashmir University and Jammu University and Principals of Autonomous Colleges, reads.

The communication reads that vacations are intended to provide students and faculty with essential respite during periods of extreme cold, dense fog, or intense summer heat.

"They also serve as an important window for activities that enrich academic exposure, such as outside industrial visits, internships, and other field-based engagements," it reads.

The official communication reads that examination-related activities during this period are misaligned with the intended objectives of vacations and may affect the well-being of all stakeholders.

"In view of the above, and in continuation of the consistent position of the HED, you are requested to ensure that no term-end, supplementary, or special examinations are scheduled during the notified vacation periods," it reads.

"All the examination-related activities are conducted strictly adhering to the Uniform Academic Calendar in vogue. Your cooperation in ensuring compliance is earnestly solicited," it reads.

Notably, the Kashmir University has not scheduled any semester exams during the Winter vacation period.

However, the first and 5th semester exams of Cluster University (CU) Srinagar are culminating on January 2 and 8 of 2026.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Controller Examination, CU Srinagar, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir said the examination was scheduled after taking higher-ups of the HED on board.

"We convened a meeting before notifying the date sheet and sent the minutes of the meeting to the Additional Chief Secretary of HED. We have been given a go ahead signal by the administrative department," Controller Examination told Greater Kashmir.

He said the exam was scheduled considering the progression of the students, most of whom exit after completing three years of the degree.

"The exams will culminate a week after the winter vacations. The exam is being conducted to ensure timely completion of the 6th semester of these students so that their degree is completed when other universities across the country start admission for PG courses," he said.

Controller exams CU Kashmir said the colleges will reopen on February 15 of 2026, followed by the commencement of class work of the 6th semester.

"Once the classes for the 6th semester start, the exams will be held on time as well," he said.