Srinagar: Five years after their appointment, Panchayat Accounts Assistants (PAAs) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to work without finalized service rules, a career progression policy, transfer framework or clear departmental ownership, raising concerns about their future and Government recruitment planning.

The PAAs were recruited against 1,889 vacancies through an examination conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board soon after Jammu and Kashmir’s transition into a Union Territory. The recruitment was projected as a key reform to strengthen financial management and accountability at the Panchayat level.

However, employees say that apart from the appointment orders, no institutional framework has been put in place to govern their service conditions. “We were recruited with a vision, but that vision has not translated into policy,” a group of PAAs told Excelsior. “From the day of appointment till today, there has been no change. We just exist as a cadre on paper,” they added.

According to employees, PAAs perform a range of functions beyond accounting, including work under CAPEX, Swachh Bharat Mission, sanitation and solid waste management programmes, Panchayat documentation, and birth and death registrations. They are also deployed for Mission YUVA-related assignments, land record verification, election duties, administrative support and survey-based reporting.

Despite handling these responsibilities, employees say they remain without confirmation of service, and many continue to be shown as on probation even after five years. “This is demoralising and administratively unjustified. We are discharging core responsibilities of the Panchayat administration but have no certainty about our own service status,” one PAA said.

PAAs allege that there are still no approved service rules, promotion or seniority framework, transfer policy or defined cadre structure. They allege the absence of these basic provisions has stalled career growth and created uncertainty in postings.

Employees also highlight confusion over which department owns the cadre. They claim the Rural Development Department considers the matter linked to the Finance, while the Finance Department views PAAs as part of RDD, resulting in a prolonged deadlock. “We demand immediate finalisation of service rules, confirmation of service, a clear promotion and transfer policy, and inclusion in establishment and rationalisation frameworks,” an employee said.

The Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has issued an important notification clarifying the conduct of two examinations within a single academic session for Classes 10th, 11th, and 12th. The notification addresses concerns among students, parents, and institutions regarding the validity of examinations held in 2025 following the restoration of the academic calendar to the October–November session.

The official notification, issued by the Academic Division of JKBOSE, confirms that students who appeared in two annual examinations in 2025 due to the academic session transition will not face any disadvantage in admissions or professional opportunities.

Why Were Two Examinations Held in 2025?

According to JKBOSE, the change occurred due to Government Order No. 468-JK (Edu.) of 2024 dated 06-11-2024. The government restored the academic session in the Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of the Jammu Division/UT of Ladakh back to the October–November cycle.

As a result:

• Annual examinations for Classes 10th, 11th, and 12th were conducted in November–December 2025 instead of February–March 2026.
• Students who had already appeared in the February–March 2025 session under the Uniform Academic Calendar were required to appear again in the October–November 2025 session.
• This led to certain candidates passing two annual examinations in the same calendar year (2025).

The board has now officially clarified that this academic adjustment is valid and legally recognized.

Classes Covered Under the Notification

The clarification applies to:

• Secondary School Examination (SSE) – Class 10th
• Higher Secondary Examination Part-I (HSE-I) – Class 11th
• Higher Secondary Examination Part-II (HSE-II) – Class 12th

Students from the Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of Jammu Division/UT Ladakh are covered under this notification.

Official Statement from JKBOSE

The board has stated that the academic intervention resulting from the restoration of the academic calendar shall be treated as valid for:

• Admission purposes
• Academic purposes
• Professional purposes
• Qualification verification

Furthermore, JKBOSE has confirmed that a note will be reflected on the diplomas and qualification certificates when issued.

The note will read:

“Annual Regular (Feb–Mar, 2026) Kashmir Division / winter zone areas of J.D held in October–November, 2025 due to restoration of Academic session back to October–November.”

This ensures complete transparency and removes any confusion regarding examination timelines.

What This Means for Students

This clarification brings major relief to thousands of students across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh who were uncertain about:

• Validity of certificates
• Eligibility for competitive exams
• Admission in colleges and universities
• Professional course admissions
• Government job applications

The board has clearly stated that students will not suffer academically or professionally due to the administrative transition.

Background: Restoration of Academic Calendar

Previously, the academic calendar had shifted to a uniform February–March examination cycle. However, due to climatic and regional considerations in Kashmir and winter zone areas of Jammu Division, the government restored the traditional October–November academic session.

This transition required temporary academic adjustments in 2025, leading to the overlap of examinations within the same year.

The latest notification officially validates this transition and protects students’ academic interests.

Key Highlights of JKBOSE Notification 2026

Here are the main takeaways:

• Two annual examinations were conducted in 2025 due to restoration of academic session.
• Applicable to Class 10th, 11th, and 12th students.
• Valid for Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of Jammu Division/UT Ladakh.
• Certificates will carry a clarification note.
• Valid for admissions, academic, and professional use.
• No disadvantage to students.

Official Details of the Notification

• Notification No: ACDCOD-1(GEN)/1/2025-01: 7681273
• Date: 16-02-2026
• Issued by: Director Academics, JKBOSE

The notification has also been circulated to:

• Director School Education Jammu/Kashmir/Ladakh
• Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department
• All Chief Education Officers
• Section Heads of JKBOSE
• Concerned Computing Agencies

The notice has been uploaded on the official JKBOSE website.

Impact on College Admissions and Competitive Exams

One of the biggest concerns among students was whether appearing in two annual exams in one year would create complications during:

• CUET admissions
• NEET/JEE applications
• University enrollments
• Professional college admissions
• Government job verification

With this clarification, students can confidently use their certificates without fear of rejection or discrepancy.

Educational institutions and recruitment agencies are expected to honor the clarification note mentioned in the diplomas.

Why This Clarification Was Necessary

Due to the unusual academic restructuring, students and parents raised concerns regarding:

• Gap year implications
• Certificate discrepancies
• Date conflicts
• Academic progression

JKBOSE has proactively addressed these concerns to ensure fairness and clarity.

Assurance to Students and Parents

The board has reassured stakeholders that:

• The academic adjustment was administrative in nature.
• It will not affect merit lists.
• It will not impact eligibility criteria.
• Students remain academically protected.

This decision reflects JKBOSE’s commitment to safeguarding student interests during administrative transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will my certificate show two examinations in one year?

No. Your certificate will include a clarification note explaining the October–November 2025 examination due to restoration of the academic session.

2. Will this affect my college admission?

No. The notification clearly states that the intervention is valid for all admission purposes.

3. Does this apply to all JKBOSE students?

No. It specifically applies to students of Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of Jammu Division/UT Ladakh.

4. Is the notification official?

Yes. It has been issued by the Director Academics, JKBOSE, and uploaded on the official website.

The JKBOSE Notification 2026 provides much-needed clarity regarding the conduct of two examinations in a single academic year due to the restoration of the academic calendar. The board has officially validated the academic transition and ensured that students will not face any academic, professional, or admission-related disadvantages.

Students, parents, and institutions can now proceed confidently, knowing that the matter has been formally resolved by JKBOSE authorities.

For complete details, students are advised to read the official notification available on the JKBOSE website.

Download Official PDF Notification Here:
https://jkbose.jk.gov.in/pdf/Notification%20Regarding%20two%20Academic%20Session.pdf