KS News Desk
Srinagar March 5: Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, who was recently posted as Secretary JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has directed the evaluators to ensure utmost care while evaluating answer scripts of students.
He has also directed officers to maintain sanctity and integrity of the examination.
During his interaction with officers soon after assuming charge as Secretary JKBOSE, he said the assessment of students' performance forms a critical step in their academic career.
"So utmost care and caution is required while evaluating their answer sheets," he told evaluators.
He also convened an introductory meeting with senior officers and took stock of the issues that require immediate attention.
The meeting was informed that class 11th and 12th examinations were going on in hard and soft zone areas across Jammu and Kashmir.
"Maintain strict vigil on the performance of the examination centres and the facilities provided to the students. A positive and compassionate approach towards the students shall facilitate and enhance their performance," the secretary told officers.
The Secretary also convened an online meeting of all the officers of Sub offices and Branch Offices of the JKBOSE and directed them to put in all efforts in maintaining the integrity of the examinations.
Later, he also held a virtual interaction with all the Chief Education Officers of all districts and sought their cooperation and collaborative efforts in ensuring smooth and transparent conduct of examinations.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Calls for strong academic ecosystem Srinagar, March 6: President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 17 candidates from J&K and Ladakh who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination. He termed the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the region and a powerful inspiration for the youth. He said that success of these candidates reflect the immense talent, determination, and intellectual potential present among the students of the region. Nazrul Islam Baba emphasised that educational institutions must work collectively to create a robust academic ecosystem that encourages students to aspire for and excel in national-level competitive examinations like the IAS. He stressed that schools should nurture curiosity, discipline, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities from the early stages of education. “Such remarkable achievements demonstrate that our youth possess the capability to compete at the highest national platforms," he said. He said a supportive academic environment, mentorship, and access to quality resources need to be kept available so that more students from J&K and Ladakh can prepare for and succeed in prestigious examinations. PSAJK President further highlighted the need to develop benchmark institutions and academic support systems in the region that can guide and mentor students aspiring for civil services and other competitive examinations. "Creating a culture of excellence and competition within educational institutions will help channelize the talent of the youth towards nation-building roles," he said. He urged educators, parents, and policymakers to work in synergy to foster an environment where students feel motivated to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society. “Every success story from our region becomes a beacon of hope for thousands of young minds. These achievers have shown that with perseverance, dedication, and proper guidance, no dream is beyond reach. Their journey should inspire our students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence,” he added. PSAJK expressed hope that this achievement will ignite a new wave of aspiration among students across schools in J&K and Ladakh, motivating them to prepare for the country’s most competitive examinations and play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
Srinagar, March 16: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Monday voiced concern over remarks made by the minister for education Sakina Itoo regarding the qualifications of teachers employed in private schools across Jammu and Kashmir. The education minister in a recent interview stated that teachers working in private schools were either matriculates or 12th pass, while teachers in government schools were highly qualified and recruited through a proper system. Reacting to the remarks, PSAJK president Dr. Nazrul Islam Baba said the association was disappointed by the tone and substance of the statement, saying it had hurt the sentiments of the private education sector in the Union Territory. Baba said that while the association acknowledges several constructive decisions taken by the minister in the past, the recent comments were discouraging for institutions and teachers working in the private sector. He said that private schools should not be viewed as adversaries of the government but as “knowledge partners” that have played a significant role in strengthening the educational ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir over the years. He said private institutions have complemented government efforts by educating lakhs of students across the Union Territory and ensuring continuity of education, particularly during challenging periods in the region. He said that a double bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently also acknowledged the importance and contribution of the private education sector in the region’s academic framework. “The remarks questioning the competence of private school teachers are disheartening. The commitment of thousands of teachers working in private institutions is reflected in the consistent performance of students in board examinations and competitive arenas,” he said. The PSAJK president further said that more than half of the student population in Jammu and Kashmir is currently enrolled in private institutions. "This reflects the trust and confidence of society in the private education system," he said. He added that over the past four decades, including during difficult times in the region, private schools continued to function and ensured that the process of education did not come to a halt. Baba also expressed concern over the delay in the functioning of the apex committee constituted to address issues faced by private schools. “The committee was expected to submit its report within a month, but even after more than two months, not a single meeting has been convened,” he said. He reiterated that private schools were not competing with the government but supporting its responsibility of providing quality education. "Strengthening educational infrastructure for the growing student population was a shared responsibility," he said. He expressed hope that the government would recognise the private sector as an important stakeholder and work in coordination to frame a progressive education policy for Jammu and Kashmir. “Through cooperation and mutual respect, we can build knowledge hubs and institutions that will shape the future of our youth and make Jammu and Kashmir a centre of academic excellence,” he said.
Srinagar, Mar 11: Nearly 45 percent of students studying up to Class 12 in Kashmir report sub-optimal mental wellbeing, with older students more exposed to technology but experiencing poorer psychological outcomes, a recent study has found. The study comes at a time when several southern States in India are considering restrictions on social media use among teenagers due to growing concerns over its impact on mental health. Published this year in the Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, the survey titled “Nexus Between Social Media Use and Mental Health Outcomes among High School Students in Kashmir” assessed nearly 400 students from Class 7 to Class 12 from both rural and urban areas of the Valley. Researchers evaluated students’ patterns of technology use, including social media activity, video gaming, virtual friendships, internet browsing and smartphone dependency, and analysed their association with psychological wellbeing. The findings revealed that 44.3 percent of students were experiencing poor to moderate psychological wellbeing, with older students reporting comparatively worse outcomes. The study also highlighted anxiety linked to the inability to access digital platforms. More than 14 percent of students reported moderate to high anxiety when they were unable to send text messages. Similarly, over 17 percent of respondents experienced moderate to very high anxiety when they could not make phone calls, while around 12 percent reported similar levels of anxiety when unable to access Facebook or other social networking platforms. Students also reported distress when unable to use other digital communication tools. According to the study, at least 13 percent felt moderate to very high anxiety when they could not access personal email, while around 10 percent experienced similar anxiety when unable to check work emails or voicemail. Among different forms of technology use, video gaming showed the strongest negative correlation with students’ psychological wellbeing, followed by internet searching, smartphone use and text messaging. The research also found higher levels of technology use among male students compared to female students, particularly in smartphone usage, gaming and social networking activities. A small proportion of students showed moderate to high engagement with certain technologies, including online friendships (3.6 percent), video gaming (2.8 percent), phone calling (2 percent), television viewing (1.6 percent), text messaging (1.2 percent) and social media friendships (0.8 percent). The study emphasised the need for policy interventions within schools to address the impact of excessive social media use on students’ mental health. “Schools should develop computer and information competency programmes to educate students about the potential risks of excessive social media use and to equip them with strategies to manage technology dependence,” the study suggested. Researchers also recommended integrating mental health service programmes in schools, including counselling support to help students cope with stress and anxiety linked to online behaviour. “Counselling and educational programmes can motivate students to develop healthier online habits and encourage them to seek help when faced with technology-related stress,” the study noted. The study further urged parents to guide children in responsible screen use, promote offline social interactions, and engage in open discussions about social media in order to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive digital engagement. It also called on policymakers to promote digital wellness policies, including safer web use programmes, age-appropriate content filtering, and the creation of online spaces that encourage responsible social media behaviour. According to official figures, the total student enrolment from pre-primary to Class 12 in Kashmir stood at around 26.17 lakh during the 2024–25 academic year, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for timely intervention.
Srinagar, March 8: The faculty at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora have secured significant research funding under the Sponsored Research & Extension Programme (SREP 2025–26) of the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC), Department of Science & Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Vice Chancellor IUST Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo thanked the Government for the grant and said that the funding support from JKST&IC will further strengthen research capacity at IUST while addressing regional challenges through science-driven solutions. "The initiative will also help researchers undertake advanced studies, develop technological interventions and contribute to policy-relevant outcomes benefiting society and the environment," he said. The grant reflects on IUST’s growing research profile and its commitment to promoting innovation, knowledge creation and impactful research aligned with regional and national priorities. The approved projects span a wide spectrum of emerging and critical research areas including artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, food safety, environmental monitoring and sustainable livelihoods. The funded studies include an AI-based translation and restoration of rare manuscripts, development of an IoT-enabled smart infusion system for patient safety and AI-driven microbial safety assessment of fresh produce in Kashmir. Other projects focus on microplastic contamination in packaged food, enhancing livelihoods of marginal bee farmers using artificial intelligence for geographical discrimination of honey and development of a geospatial model for real-time monitoring of construction activity around Dal–Nigeen Lake and associated wetlands in Srinagar. These projects are being led by faculty members from various departments of the university including Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Food Technology and Environment Sustainability & Climate Change, reflecting the institution’s strong interdisciplinary research culture.
