2026 Declared ‘Year of Academic Excellence’ in Kashmir Division
DSEK Issues Comprehensive Academic Calendar Aligned With NEP 2020
Srinagar, Feb 18, KNT: In a significant policy push aimed at overhauling academic standards across the Kashmir Division, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir on Wednesday declared 2026 as the “Year of Academic Excellence.”
The announcement was made by Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, during a high-level review meeting at the DSEK headquarters convened in connection with the reopening of schools after winter vacation.
On the occasion, the Director formally released a comprehensive Academic Calendar 2026, described as the first of its kind in terms of structure and scope. The calendar is designed to institutionalize systematic academic planning across all government and private schools in the division.
Officials said the calendar aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 and integrates structured teaching-learning frameworks with defined timelines and monitoring benchmarks. It outlines detailed schedules for curriculum transaction, periodic assessments, annual examinations, Parent-Teacher Meetings, declaration of results and co-curricular engagements. Advance notification of winter and summer vacations has also been incorporated to ensure predictability and academic continuity.
Addressing officers, the Director emphasized that the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Academic Excellence is an outcome-oriented initiative rather than a symbolic move. He said a multi-tier monitoring framework has been established at divisional, district and zonal levels to oversee implementation.
Field officers have been directed to closely supervise classroom transactions, ensure timely conduct of practical examinations and internal assessments, monitor attendance of students and staff, complete admissions within stipulated timelines and enforce adherence to structured timetables.
The Directorate stated that academic discipline, systematic planning and continuous supervision will form the foundation of the initiative, urging teachers, Heads of Institutions, parents and students to actively contribute towards achieving measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, innovation and quality education across all schools in the Kashmir Division. [KNT]
