Srinagar: With the annual board examinations approaching, the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has formally raised a strong demand for syllabus relaxation for students in the Jammu Division.
PSAJK President Nazrul Islam Baba emphasized that students in the Jammu region—particularly in hard zones like Chenab Valley and Poonch—have faced significant academic disruptions and deserve the same humanitarian consideration previously shown to Kashmir Division students.
1. The Core Demand
The association is seeking a reduction in the syllabus for students appearing in the Class 10th, 11th, and 12th annual examinations in the Jammu Summer Zone.
- Reason Cited: “Learning time was significantly compromised” due to various regional factors and situational disadvantages.
- Specific Areas of Concern: The statement highlighted that students in remote areas like the Chenab Valley (Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban) and Poonch/Rajouri have faced distinct challenges that hindered completing the 100% syllabus on time.
2. The Argument for Equality
The PSAJK’s demand stems heavily from the precedent set during the Kashmir Division exams (Oct-Nov 2025 session), where students were granted a 15% syllabus relaxation due to academic time loss.
“Parity in education is not negotiable. If ‘learning loss’ was the yardstick for granting syllabus relaxation in the Kashmir Division, then denying the same relief to Jammu Division students would be discriminatory and academically unethical.” — Nazrul Islam Baba, President PSAJK
3. Warning Against Disparity
The association warned that enforcing a full syllabus on Jammu students while their counterparts in Kashmir were assessed on a reduced curriculum would “undermine the credibility of the evaluation system.”
- Key Quote: “Students cannot be punished for regional and situational disadvantages beyond their control. Any deviation from uniform academic relief will only deepen regional disparity,” the statement added.
4. Background: The “Uniform Calendar” Context
This demand arises amidst the ongoing transition to a “Uniform Academic Calendar” in J&K. While the goal is to synchronize sessions, the distinct weather patterns and operational challenges of the two divisions often lead to varied instructional days.
- Kashmir Precedent: In Oct 2025, JKBOSE allowed Kashmir students to attempt 85% of the paper, which was scaled to 100%, acknowledging the shortened session. Jammu stakeholders are now asking: Why not us?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Not yet. This is currently a demand raised by the PSAJK. JKBOSE has not issued an official notification granting relief to Jammu Summer Zone students as of Jan 20, 2026.
A: If the Board follows the Kashmir precedent, students will be required to attempt questions worth 85% of the total marks (e.g., 85 out of 100). The marks obtained are then pro-rated to 100% (e.g., if a student scores 85/85, it is counted as 100/100).
Important Note: This relaxation is currently a demand. Students should not assume it is granted until a formal notification appears on the official JKBOSE website.
A: The demand covers all Board classes: 10th, 11th, and 12th.
A: With exams scheduled to begin in February/March for the Jammu Summer Zone, schools and parents feel there is little time left to bridge the learning gap.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Kitto Education Desk | Source: Greater Kashmir / PSAJK Statement (Jan 20, 2026).
- Disclaimer: This report covers a demand by a private association. Students are advised to continue preparing 100% of the syllabus until an official order is released by JKBOSE.
- Accountability: Tips? Email kittonews@gmail.com.
