The Directorate of School Education Kashmir mandates summative assessments for up to Class 8 to conclude by October 31, with new academic classifications starting November 1, 2026.
All government and recognized private schools in the Kashmir division must wrap up their summative assessments for up to Class 8 by the end of October 2026. The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued a circular on September 29, 2026, directing schools to strictly follow the prescribed academic calendar and assessment framework for the 2025-26 session.
DSEK Sets Strict October Deadline for Exams
The circular, issued by the Inspection and Monitoring Wing of DSEK, references several government orders, including Order No. 468-JK (Edu) of 2024 and Order No. 629-JK (Edu) of 2025. It also points to a DSEK notification dated December 8, 2025, which detailed the academic planner for the current session.
According to the official schedule, the summative assessment for all classes up to the 8th standard will take place in the second week of October 2026. The results, progress day, Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM), and feedback sessions are scheduled between October 26 and October 31, 2026.
Schools have been explicitly instructed to conclude all examinations within October. The new classification for the 2026-27 academic session will commence on November 1, 2026, as per the already notified government orders.
- October 2nd Week, 2026: Summative Assessment for up to Class 8.
- October 26 - 31, 2026: Result Announcement, Progress Day, PTM, and Feedback Session.
- November 1, 2026: New classification for the 2026-27 session begins.
- November 2026: Admission/enrollment drive continues for Government Schools.
NEP 2020 Compliance and Holistic Progress Cards
The directive emphasizes strict adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on competency-based assessment and remedial teaching. The DSEK has directed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Cluster Heads, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and Heads of Institutions to ensure full compliance.
A key component of this framework is the Holistic Progress Card (HPC). The circular states that formative assessments under School-Based Assessment (SBA) through HPC are continuous processes. The specific dates mentioned in the calendar are indicative and meant for recording and review purposes only.
Teachers are required to maintain the Holistic Progress Card of every student and conduct assessments strictly according to NEP 2020 guidelines. The circular also mentions the implementation of the PARAKH aligned assessment practices and strengthened Parent-Teacher Meetings.
Special Provisions for Class 1 and Remedial Teaching
The DSEK circular outlines specific measures for foundational years and students needing extra support. For Class 1, schools must implement a three-month school readiness programme aligned with NCERT's Vidya Pravesh manual, based on NEP 2020 guidelines.
Additionally, for the first 30 days of the new session, schools are required to provide readiness and remedial teaching. This period is designed to address learning gaps by taking into account the students' previous class performance and knowledge base.
Instructions also mandate that the best student activities be displayed on the school board throughout the year. Cluster Heads are tasked with conducting sessions on HPC and innovative pedagogical approaches.
- Summative assessments for up to Class 8 to be held in the second week of October 2026.
- Results and PTMs scheduled from October 26 to October 31, 2026.
- New academic session for 2026-27 begins on November 1, 2026.
- Strict adherence to NEP 2020, Holistic Progress Cards, and competency-based assessment mandated.
- Three-month school readiness programme for Class 1 using NCERT's Vidya Pravesh manual.
- 30-day remedial teaching period to address learning gaps at the start of the session.
Monitoring and Accountability for Schools
The responsibility for ensuring compliance falls on multiple levels of the education administration. Chief Education Officers must oversee overall compliance and monitoring in their respective jurisdictions.
Zonal Education Officers and Cluster Heads are required to closely monitor the implementation at the zonal and cluster levels. Heads of Institutions are directly responsible for the timely and proper conduct of the summative assessments and all related academic activities.
The circular warns that these activities must be conducted strictly according to the approved schedule without any deviation. The instructions are stated to be strictly adhered to by all concerned parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As per the DSEK circular, the Summative Assessments for up to Class 8 will be conducted in the second week of October 2026.
The new classification for the session 2026-27 will start from November 1, 2026, as notified in the government orders.
The HPC is part of the School-Based Assessment (SBA) under NEP 2020. It is a continuous process for recording and reviewing student progress, and teachers must maintain it strictly as per NEP 2020 guidelines.
Yes, for Class 1, a three-month school readiness programme aligned with NCERT's Vidya Pravesh manual based on NEP 2020 guidelines shall be implemented.
The results, Progress Day, PTM, and feedback sessions are scheduled to take place between October 26 and October 31, 2026.
Bottom Line
The DSEK's latest circular leaves little room for ambiguity: October 2026 is the final window for all summative assessments up to Class 8. Schools must align their internal schedules with the NEP 2020 framework, ensure Holistic Progress Cards are updated, and prepare for the new session to begin on November 1. For parents and students, the key takeaway is that the academic year's end and the new beginning are less than a month apart.
