Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap to transform higher education in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the Higher Education Department to prepare a 5–10-year strategic plan. The aim is to align curricula with contemporary academic, technological, and market needs and ensure students are equipped for emerging employment opportunities.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dulloo stressed revising outdated courses, introducing market-driven programmes, and enhancing skill-oriented education. He also highlighted the importance of strong human resource management to maintain motivated and well-trained staff for institutional excellence.
The meeting noted that total enrolment across J&K’s higher education institutions stands at 2,87,663 students, including 9,274 at the University of Jammu, 13,375 at the University of Kashmir, 1,98,392 in government colleges, and 56,644 in private colleges. The department has also implemented NEP 2020, introducing a 4-Year Undergraduate Programme with multiple entry-exit options and an Academic Bank of Credits for flexible credit transfers.
Infrastructure development is a priority, with ongoing projects including 50 classrooms, 39 multi-purpose halls, 22 hostels, 22 science labs, 19 auditoriums, and 10 administrative blocks. Additionally, 18 libraries are being digitized, nine research hubs are under development, and three new library blocks are underway.
The department reported strong performance under RUSA and PM-USHA schemes, with 38 out of 74 projects completed and 94% fund utilisation. An additional Rs 251.92 crore has been projected to ensure completion of ongoing projects by March 2026.
The Chief Secretary called for a mission-oriented approach to make J&K’s higher education a model of quality, innovation, and employability.