Admissions Surge Continues in J&K
The first phase of undergraduate admissions to Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir for the 2026-27 academic session has concluded with 47,150 candidates admitted, as reported by the Daily Excelsior and The Tribune. This marks a 16% increase from the approximately 40,800 students admitted in the corresponding phase of the preceding session.
Of the total admissions, 35,040 candidates were admitted through direct allocation, while 12,110 were admitted through the walk-in mode.
Merit-Based Admissions via Centralized Portal
Admissions were conducted on the basis of Class 12 (10+2) merit through the Centralised Admission Portal, jkadmissions.in, developed in-house by the Directorate of Colleges, J&K, as detailed by the Daily Excelsior. The portal provided a single Union Territory-wide merit list, allowed continuous upgradation of allotted seats through successive rounds, automatically managed fee migration, and enabled candidates from any part of the UT to compete for seats in programs of their choice. The Tribune also noted that the entire process, from registration to payment, was completed online by candidates.
Dr Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K, emphasized that merit was the bedrock at every stage of the admission process — whether in college allocation or the allotment of major, minor, multidisciplinary, and skill enhancement courses.
Positive Outcome Despite National Trends
Dr Bashir reported that 106 colleges recorded a rise in enrollment over the preceding session, while most other colleges retained their enrollment figures. He described the outcome as a remarkable achievement, particularly given the national trend of declining enrollments across subject domains in higher education.
Officials Credit Leadership
Both sources attribute the success to leadership. The Daily Excelsior quoted Dr Bashir: "The Department of Higher Education, J&K, achieved this milestone under the leadership of the Minister for Education, Sakeena Masood Itoo. The dedication of college Principals, Admission coordinators, and verifiers ensured seamless execution on campus." The Tribune added that Itoo's regular reviews and directives to conduct admissions transparently and strictly on merit provided clear direction, and credited Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, for ensuring the admission schedule stayed on track.
Looking Ahead: Phase-II Admissions
The Daily Excelsior reported that Phase-II admissions against leftover seats will open for candidates qualifying the biannual/supplementary examination at the higher secondary level, after results are declared. The schedule will be notified separately, and candidates are advised to monitor the portal.