No exams during vacations: Higher Education Dept directs universities, colleges to follow uniform academic calendar

Srinagar, Dec 05: The Higher Education Department has issued fresh instructions to all universities and autonomous colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, directing them to strictly adhere to the Uniform Academic Calendar and refrain from conducting any examinations during the notified vacation periods.

According to the communique issued by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K Higher Education Department, a copy of which is available with news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC, all academic institutions, including the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, Cluster Universities of Srinagar and Jammu, and autonomous colleges, have been reminded to comply with the guidelines laid out in the Uniform Academic Calendar notified in May 2022.

The department noted that vacations are meant to provide essential relief to students and staff during harsh winters, foggy conditions, or peak summer heat, and also offer time for internships, industrial visits, and other academic enrichment activities.

The communique states that holding term-end, supplementary, or special examinations during vacations defeats their purpose and adversely impacts the well-being of students and faculty.

“In continuation of the earlier communication, institutions are directed not to schedule any form of examinations during the notified vacation period. All examination-related activities must strictly follow the Uniform Academic Calendar in force,” the directive reads.

The Higher Education Department has sought full cooperation from all institutions to ensure compliance with the instructions.