Schools, colleges, universities closed across J&K amid prevailing situation

SRINAGAR — In view of the prevailing situation, authorities on Thursday ordered the closure of all educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir for Friday and Saturday, citing student safety and precautionary measures.

Minister of Education Sakina Itoo said that both private and government schools, colleges, and universities will remain shut on May 9 and 10. “Keeping in view the safety of students, all the educational institutions shall remain closed on Friday and Saturday,” she said.

The Registrar of the University of Kashmir confirmed that classwork will remain suspended on Friday. “If there are any other changes, we will notify the students accordingly,” the Registrar said.

Educational institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, and areas surrounding Srinagar and Awantipora airports will also continue to remain closed on the same days, according to officials. Schools in Gurez sub-division will observe a similar closure as a precautionary measure.

In Jammu division, the Divisional Commissioner announced on the social media platform X that all educational institutions—government and private—in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts will also remain closed on May 9.

Meanwhile, the J&K State Eligibility Test Agency (Jammu) has postponed the JKSET/LASET Examination 2024-25 scheduled for May 11 in both the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. “The examination stands postponed till further notice due to the prevailing situation,” an official statement said.

The University of Kashmir has also deferred all examinations scheduled up to and including May 10. “It is hereby notified that all examinations of the University of Kashmir scheduled to be held up to and including 10.05.2025 stand postponed,” read an order issued by the Assistant Controller Exams of KU.