J&K Higher Education Reform: Chief Secretary Sets August Deadline for 90% Faculty Recruitment

JAMMU, MARCH 28, 2026: In a major push to overhaul the academic landscape of the Union Territory, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting today, directing Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to implement time-bound reforms aligned with NEP 2020.

Emphasizing institutional accountability, the Chief Secretary set a strict deadline for universities and colleges to fill at least 90% of faculty vacancies by August this year. The meeting, attended by Vice-Chancellors and senior officials, focused on the “forward-looking roadmap” established during the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference, aimed at steering J&K’s 9 universities and 152 colleges toward global excellence and improved employability for the over three lakh students currently enrolled.

A core component of the transformation strategy includes a comprehensive academic audit to phase out outdated or low-demand courses, replacing them with technology-driven programs that meet current market aspirations.

Chief Secretary Dulloo specifically tasked the Vice-Chancellors of IUST and SMVDU to analyze and improve enrollment in engineering and architecture schools, while the University of Kashmir and University of Jammu were directed to address declining intake trends in affiliated colleges.

The ambitious reform agenda also outlines the launch of a Global Talent Return Scheme, the engagement of “Professors of Practice,” and the creation of research parks in both divisions.

By integrating apprenticeship-embedded degrees and establishing incubation centers, the administration aims to convert select institutions into model finishing schools, ultimately boosting the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir.