Srinagar, Mar 31: In a significant development, the School Education Department (SED) has extended the deadline for private schools lacking valid affiliation to comply with regulatory norms till March 31, 2027.
The move is seen a major relief for these private schools and the students enrolled in these institutions across J&K.
The order in this regard was issued by Commissioner Secretary SED Ram Niwas Sharma on Tuesday wherein the government has prolonged the one-time exemption earlier granted to schools that do not conform to the provisions of S.O. 177 of 2022.
The extension comes as the earlier deadline March 31, 2026 was set to expire.
“Whereas, vide Circular No. 06-JK(Edu) of 2024 dated 19.09.2024, one time exemption was granted to all those schools which are without a valid affiliation, both for the earlier academic session 2023-24 (when they were tagged with the nearby government school) and academic session 2024-25, for non-conformity to provisions of SO 177,” the SED circular reads.
It reads that JKBOSE was directed to extend all board related facilities viz; Registration Return (RR) forms, eligibility, migration, and examination to such schools for sessions 2023-24 and 2024-25, for classes 9th to 12th.
“A committee was constituted to examine the cases of Private Schools which does not fulfill the conditions as laid down in S.O 177,” the SED circular reads.
It reads that number of representations were received and forwarded to the committee for examining and recommending the cases as per the mandate of the committee.
“Whereas, vide Circular No. 07-JK (Edu) of 2025, Dated 13.08.2025, extension was granted up to March 1 of 2026 to all private schools of J&K, who have not been able to fulfill the conditions laid down under SO 177 of 2022 dated 15.04.2022,” it reads.
The circular reads that the spell of period was likely to expire as well.
“The Committee constituted vide Government Order No. 1703-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 04.10.2024 has not yet finalized/submitted its report/recommendations,” it reads.
It further reads that the mandate of the committee was to examine the applications so received on case by case basis as per the extant rules in J&K.
“Keeping in view the academic needs of the students, the terms and conditions issued vide Circular No. 06-JK(Edu) of 2024 dated 19.09.2024 is required to be further extended for another period of one year up to March 31 of 2027, enabling them to obtain provisional affiliation with JKBOSE, wherever required and also fulfill other requisite formalities necessary for registration and appearance of students in the relevant examination,” the circular reads.
As per the circular, the terms and conditions as laid down in Circular instructions No. 06-JK(Edu) of 2024 dated September 19 of 2024 has been further extended, till 31 March, 2027.
“Further, it is enjoined upon the committee constituted vide Government Order No. 1703-JK(Edu) of 2024 dated 04.10.2024, to expedite and furnish the recommendation at an earliest, without any further delay, so that a holistic and wholesome decision is taken in the matter,” it reads.
Meanwhile, The Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), has extended its gratitude to the J&K Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, minister for education and Commissioner Secretary SED for extending the affiliation relaxation period till March 31, 2027.
President PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba termed the move as timely, student-centric, and reform-oriented saying that the decision safeguards the academic future of thousands of students and provides critical relief to private schools facing procedural challenges under S.O. 177.
“This reflects a responsive and visionary administration that prioritizes students and listens to genuine concerns,” Baba said.
He added that PSAJK remains hopeful that this long-pending issue will now be resolved once and for all in transparent, and equitable manner.
PSAJK reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and constructive collaboration with the government.
President PSAJK expressed optimism that the decision will pave the way for a stable and balanced policy framework for private education in J&K.
