The government has issued a new order changing the way Class 8th annual examinations will be held across the Union Territory.

The move aims to make assessments more competency-based and student-focused, in line with the NEP 2020.
According to Government Order No. 629-JK(Edu) of 2025 dated October 11, 2025, all government and recognized private schools will conduct in-house Summative/Annual Exams for Class 8th under the supervision of Cluster or Complex Heads starting from the 2024–25 academic session.
The new system includes regular formative assessments, remedial teaching for weak students, and supplementary attempts to ensure every child reaches Class 9 successfully.
DIETs will maintain data of all students and coordinate implementation through Cluster Heads.
The order, issued by Secretary School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma (IAS), directs SCERT and DIETs to train teachers on competency-based question papers, Holistic Progress Cards, and evaluation methods.
School Heads will set common question papers focusing on areas where districts performed poorly in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report. The Director School Education will oversee exam scheduling and monitoring.
As per the schedule, results will be declared before March 20 in Summer Zones and before October 25 in Winter Zones, while new classes will begin from April 1 and November 1, respectively.
The government has also instructed schools to strengthen Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) for regular progress sharing and communication.