HED Bars Exams During Vacations, Orders Strict Adherence to Uniform Academic Calendar

Srinagar: The Higher Education Department (HED) has issued fresh directions to universities and autonomous colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, instructing them to strictly follow the Uniform Academic Calendar and avoid scheduling any examinations during notified vacation periods.

According to a communiqué issued by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K Higher Education Department, all 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 of the calendar notified in May 2022.

The department said the purpose of vacations is to provide students and staff essential relief during harsh winters, foggy conditions, or peak summer temperatures, while also allowing time for internships, industrial visits and other academic engagements.

The communiqué stresses that conducting term-end, supplementary or special examinations during vacations undermines their purpose and negatively affects both students and faculty.

“In continuation of 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 states.

The HED has sought full cooperation from all institutions to ensure strict compliance with the instructions.