Srinagar, June 17(KNS): The Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has started the college admission process for the current academic session, with online registration open from June 16 to July 7.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service(KNS), Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges, said the department has introduced a unified admission system for both CUET-based and non-CUET-based colleges to streamline the process and reduce challenges faced by students in previous years.
Admissions will be held across 145 colleges in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Over 100 colleges will admit students based on 10+2 merit (non-CUET), while the remaining will follow CUET-based admissions. Prof. Bashir said both streams will now run simultaneously. A dedicated WhatsApp channel has been created for student updates, which has already received 5,000 subscriptions. Students are encouraged to register and subscribe for timely notifications, which are also available on college and department websites.
So far, around 500–600 students have registered on the portal.
Prof. Bashir said admission counselling cells have been established in each college to assist students and their parents. He advised students to complete the registration from home using a mobile phone or laptop. If not feasible, students can visit any nearby college for help.
Speaking about faculty hiring, Prof. Bashir said the department has launched a new portal for academic arrangements, replacing the earlier process that involved logistical issues. Applicants from Jammu and Kashmir can now apply online, select their preferred region, and receive merit-based allocation through a transparent system without physical counselling. Engagement orders will be issued by respective nodal offices and displayed on the portal.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Regarding grievance redressal, Prof. Bashir said the department has launched "Sigma"—a Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application—at the directorate level. Students are advised to raise issues with their respective faculty, HODs, or principals first. If unresolved, they can escalate matters through Sigma for faster redressal at the directorate level.
He said a comprehensive directorate portal was also launched on June 14 by the Additional Chief Secretary. It includes modules for policy planning, development, and online services for faculty and staff. Tasks such as applying for vigilance clearance, passports, PhD permissions, and career advancement schemes will now be managed digitally.
Addressing the implementation of the fourth year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, Prof. Bashir said the final year will be optional and divided between research and honours tracks. Infrastructure and honours programs will be introduced in select colleges, which will be classified and notified.
Students will need to shift to designated colleges to pursue the honours track.
He urged parents to stay connected with their children and monitor their daily lives, especially to help counter drug abuse. He also asked parents to be involved in the college admission process and suggested that students visit colleges before finalising preferences between July 3 and 9.
Prof. Bashir said the department expects to enroll 40,000 to 50,000 students in various new and existing programs. He stressed that program choices must be made by students themselves based on interest and career goals. Admission committees will provide information, but final decisions should reflect the student's personal aspirations.(KNS).