Srinagar, Feb 22: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has made attendance compulsory for students of secondary and senior secondary classes. The order comes just before schools reopen in Kashmir after the three month winter break.
The move aims to strengthen the education system and stop the growing trend of dummy admissions. Officials received complaints that many students enroll in government schools only on paper while attending private coaching centres throughout the year. This practice reportedly inflates pass percentages without ensuring actual classroom learning.
All Heads of Institutions have been directed to strictly monitor student attendance. Schools have also been advised to use the VSK JK Smart Attendance chatbot to ensure proper tracking.
In addition, the Directorate has finalized the academic planner for the 2025–26 session in line with the National Education Policy 2020. A common academic calendar has been introduced for all government and recognized private schools in the Kashmir division to maintain uniform classroom practices and structured planning.
Cluster Heads will conduct training sessions on Holistic Progress Card implementation and innovative teaching methods. Schools have been instructed to focus more on formative assessment instead of relying only on final examinations. Each teacher must design at least one Holistic Progress Card activity, and the best activity will be displayed at the school level.
The order also directs strict implementation of NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage. Teaching and assessment must follow competency based learning guidelines under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. Teachers must maintain Holistic Progress Cards for every student.
As per the academic schedule, a three month school readiness programme for Class I students will begin in line with the NCERT Vidya Pravesh manual. Schools will also conduct 30 days of remedial classes at the start of the session to address learning gaps based on previous academic performance.
Morning assemblies will be used to promote moral education through storytelling and value based activities. Teachers are expected to act as role models and integrate moral education across subjects.
To ensure transparency and rebuild public trust, schools must hold Parent Teacher Meetings on the 26th of every month. If the date falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place on the next working day.
The Directorate has reiterated that regular attendance, especially in secondary classes, must be ensured to improve accountability and academic outcomes across the region.
