Srinagar, Nov 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Private Universities Rules, paving the way for the establishment of reputed national and international institutions of higher learning in the Union territory.

The rules, notified by the J&K government, provide for streamlined approval procedures, effective regulatory oversight, and a 25 per cent reservation for Jammu and Kashmir domiciles in admissions and employment.
Similarly, 25 per cent of teaching and non-teaching positions will be reserved for local residents, opening up fresh educational and employment opportunities for the youth.
The framework is also expected to encourage multidisciplinary education and strengthen academic infrastructure, enabling students to pursue specialised courses within the Union Territory rather than moving to cities such as Delhi, Punjab and Bengaluru.
This could help families reduce the financial burden of relocation and living expenses. Private universities will also be required to provide merit-cum-means scholarships to at least 10 per cent of their student intake, ensuring greater access to higher education for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
The notification follows Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026. The new Act and its accompanying rules provide for the entry of private and foreign higher educational institutions into the Union Territory. The government expects the move to generate investment, create employment and stimulate economic growth. The institutions will function under the regulatory supervision of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Regulatory Authority.
The framework prohibits capitation fees, provides safeguards relating to fee regulation and makes accreditation mandatory within five years. The government expects the entry of reputed institutions to encourage research, innovation and academic competition while prompting existing public universities to upgrade their curricula, infrastructure and technology.