Jammu and Kashmir has recorded one of its lowest academic-day counts in recent years, missing over 30% of the mandated working days during the 2024–25 academic session, officials confirmed.
According to senior education department officials, schools in the UT logged fewer than 150 academic days, far below the 220 days mandated and the minimum standard of 180 days considered essential for effective learning.
Why J&K Lost So Many Academic Days This Year
Officials attribute the shortfall to a combination of extreme weather conditions and unavoidable disruptions.
“In the 2024–25 academic year, we recorded fewer than 150 working days due to inclement weather, a flood-like situation, and extended summer vacations,” an official told KNO.
The region faced:
✔ Severe heatwave in early summer
✔ Flood-like conditions in parts of Jammu and Kashmir
✔ Prolonged monsoon disruptions
✔ Early and extended vacations
✔ Weather-related closures across multiple districts
Despite these setbacks, officials said government schools tried to complete the syllabus but faced tight timelines, increasing the academic burden on students.
“Although almost all government schools completed their syllabi, the time constraints heavily burdened the students,” the official added.
Education Minister: ‘Students Were Badly Affected’
Earlier in September, Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged that students faced significant academic disruption throughout the year.
She cited multiple crises:
- War-like situation
- Extreme heatwave
- Flood-like conditions
- Interrupted academic calendar
The combined effect left schools struggling to maintain a stable teaching schedule.
BOSE Announces 15% Syllabus Relaxation for Classes 10th, 11th & 12th
In response to the widespread disruption, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) announced 15% syllabus relaxation for Classes 10th, 11th, and 12th.
The decision followed:
- Recommendations from DSEK (Directorate of School Education Kashmir)
- Recommendations from DSEJ (Directorate of School Education Jammu)
- Representations from parents, school bodies, and other stakeholders
The board acknowledged that the delayed academic session and frequent closures caused:
- Loss of classroom teaching
- Delays in unit tests and internal assessments
- Compressed syllabus timelines
- Mental stress among students
JKBOSE stated that the relaxation was necessary due to interruptions caused by heat waves, torrential rains, cloudbursts, and floods.
What This Means for Students
- Students will answer questions only from 85% of the prescribed syllabus.
- Question papers will be designed accordingly for the 2025 annual examinations.
- Teachers have been instructed to guide students on the reduced syllabus pattern.
- Schools may continue remedial classes where needed.
Conclusion
Jammu and Kashmir’s education system has experienced an exceptionally turbulent academic year, leading to a significant reduction in instructional days. With weather extremes becoming more common, education authorities may need to adopt long-term strategies to stabilize the academic calendar, including digital learning backup plans and revised vacation schedules.
For now, JKBOSE’s 15% syllabus relaxation aims to reduce pressure on students as they prepare for the upcoming board exams.