Srinagar | WTNS | Dec 23:The year 2025 exposed many uncomfortable truths about the school education system in Jammu and Kashmir.

Agha Syed Amin Musvi | Wilayat Times

Reports and official data showed that many children are not learning at the level they should, while schools continue to suffer from poor facilities, shortage of teachers and weak academic planning.

The situation on the ground is worrying. In many areas, school buildings are in poor condition, classrooms are overcrowded, and teachers are stretched thin.

Learning outcomes remain low, especially in government schools, despite repeated claims of improvement.

One of the biggest concerns was the short academic session. Schools were supposed to function for around 220 working days, but in reality, many managed less than 150 days.

Weather disruptions, floods and extended vacations cut deeply into teaching time. As a result, students were forced to rush through their syllabus, leaving many confused and stressed.

Another major issue is the growing preference for private schools. Even though government schools are far greater in number, parents believe private schools offer better attention and discipline. This has raised serious questions about teaching quality and classroom management in government-run institutions.

Student dropout rates continue to haunt the system. More than 13 percent of students leave school at the secondary level in Jammu and Kashmir. Many children drop out due to financial pressure, family responsibilities or lack of interest caused by weak teaching methods.

Learning levels remain alarmingly low. A large number of Class 5 students in rural government schools cannot read a simple Class 2-level text. Mathematics is an even bigger challenge, with very few students able to solve basic division problems. These gaps show that children are moving to higher classes without mastering basic skills.

Modern learning tools are missing in most schools. Digital libraries are almost non-existent, and many school libraries lack even basic textbooks. In several schools, students have access to smartphones but use them more for social media than for education.

The shortage of teachers has made matters worse. Thousands of lecturer posts are vacant, many schools operate with only one teacher, and some schools have teachers posted despite having no students. This reflects poor planning and weak use of resources.

The government has taken some corrective steps. Free textbooks and uniforms are being provided, syllabus load was reduced, and action has been initiated against teachers with poor results. Plans are also underway to fill vacant posts and improve staff distribution.

Still, education experts believe that small steps are not enough.

“Enrolling children in schools is not enough. What matters is whether they are actually learning,” said a senior education official.

Unless there is a serious focus on quality teaching, proper infrastructure, trained teachers and safe school environments, the education system in Jammu and Kashmir will continue to struggle, putting the future of an entire generation at risk.