Srinagar, April 24: The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated the process of drafting rules for the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Act, 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening the region’s higher education landscape.

According to official sources, the exercise to frame the rules under the newly enacted law has already begun. Minister for Education, Sakina Masood Ittoo, has directed officials to expedite the process to ensure timely implementation.
Emphasizing the need for expansion in the education sector, the minister stated that the government is keen to encourage the establishment of more private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the limited number of existing public institutions.
The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 was passed during the recently concluded budget session of the J&K Assembly, receiving broad support from both the treasury benches and the opposition. The legislation has been widely regarded as a landmark reform in the region’s higher education sector.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also granted his assent to the bill, paving the way for its formal implementation.
The Act lays down a comprehensive framework for the establishment, regulation, and governance of private universities, including provisions to ensure academic standards and institutional accountability.
As per the law, the government will constitute an Expert Committee, headed by the Administrative Secretary of the Higher Education Department, to evaluate applications from sponsoring bodies seeking to establish private universities.
The legislation also sets strict eligibility criteria for sponsoring bodies. These include a minimum of three years of registration, a primary focus on education, sound financial standing, a clean track record, and lawful possession of adequate land and infrastructure.
The move is expected to open new avenues in higher education, attract investment, and provide greater academic opportunities for students across Jammu and Kashmir.