Srinagar, Nov 28: Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a significant decline in student enrollment at degree colleges, with a noticeable drop in new admissions over recent years. This downturn has raised concerns among educators and policymakers, pointing to broader challenges within the region’s education system.
Experts attribute this decline to several interrelated factors. One of the most prominent reasons is the increasing migration of students seeking better educational opportunities outside Kashmir. Many students are opting to pursue higher education outside Kashmir due to better infrastructure, advanced academic programs, and better job prospects.
This trend is further fuelled by the rapid growth of private universities and professional colleges in northern India. These institutions offer career-focused programs with clear academic pathways and timely degree completion, making them an attractive alternative to government-run degree colleges in the UT. Additionally, the rise in enrollment in skill-based courses—such as artificial intelligence, cybernetics, drone technology, nanorobotics, and hotel management—reflects a growing demand for specialized skills in emerging industries.
“Studying outside Kashmir has given me access to better labs and research opportunities,” said Mehvish Bhat, a second-year biotechnology student at a private university in Delhi. “I wanted to pursue a program that would guarantee placements, something that wasn’t clear back home.”
Faisal Ahmad, who recently enrolled in a professional college in Chandigarh, echoed similar concerns, stating, “Government colleges in the valley have limited infrastructure, and there are often delays in completing degrees. Moving out was my best option for a faster and more focused academic path.”
Another student, Danish Qadri, said, “I couldn’t find a specialized AI course in the colleges in my hometown. Most of the programs are outdated and don’t cover subjects like machine learning or data science. That’s why I chose to study in Bengaluru, where there are better opportunities and resources.”
The growing appeal of flexible learning options is another key factor influencing student preferences. Open universities like IGNOU and MANUU have drawn students with the promise of contact classes held on weekends and holidays. This flexibility allows students to balance their academic and professional commitments, making these institutions particularly appealing to those seeking to juggle education with work.
“Studying at IGNOU has made it possible for me to pursue higher education while working full-time,” said Nabeel Wani, a working professional and student at the university. “The weekend classes allow me to manage both my career and studies effectively.”
At the same time, changes in the admission process have also contributed to the decline in enrollment. The introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) by the National Testing Agency has replaced traditional admission methods, leaving many students unfamiliar with the new process through the Smart e-Governance Portal. These uncertainties, combined with delays in CUET admissions, have led many students to opt for private institutions, which offer quicker enrollment and more streamlined admission procedures.
“The introduction of CUET is a positive move, but there are challenges. Many students are unaware of how to navigate the admission process and ultimately miss out on opportunities. Additionally, a significant number of students, particularly in rural areas, lack the resources to apply through the portal, which further hinders their chances,” said a Kashmir University official, requesting anonymity.
While the decline in undergraduate enrollments is concerning, a contrasting trend has emerged in the higher education sector. Farooq Mir, Director of Admissions at Kashmir University, said that while undergraduate enrollments are declining, postgraduate courses continue to attract significant numbers. “PG courses are seeing full admissions, with hardly any department having available vacancies,” he said, highlighting a stark discrepancy between undergraduate and postgraduate enrollments.
Interestingly, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reveals that 32% of youth in the 18–29 age group in urban areas of the region are unemployed—the highest rate in the country for this demographic. As reported earlier by Rising Kashmir, J&K also has the highest number of unemployed youth, with 3.52 lakh individuals registered in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Directorate of Employment (DoE). Notably, 1.09 lakh of these individuals hold graduate or postgraduate degrees.
In response to the enrollment drop, Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo held a review meeting on November 15. During the meeting, she directed higher educational institutions (HEIs) to take proactive steps to boost enrollment. The Minister also proposed exploring international exchange programs to improve the region’s academic standing and attract more students to local institutions.
Additionally, the J&K Higher Education Department has reopened the Centralized Samarth Admission Portal to facilitate new admissions. According to an official statement, the portal is now available for students who recently qualified the 10+2 bi-annual examination or those who missed earlier opportunities for admission.
For now, the decline in student enrollment serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education system to ensure it meets the demands of today’s students and the job market.
