University of Kashmir Announces Winter Break for Private Sector Colleges in Jammu Division (Summer Zone) from January 1–10, 2026
The University of Kashmir has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming winter vacation for Private Sector Colleges affiliated with the University and falling under the summer zone of Jammu Division. As per the latest notification issued by the Office of the Dean, College Development Council, these colleges will observe winter break from January 1, 2026 to January 10, 2026.
The circular, issued under Notice No. F (Winter-Break-Pvt.Aff.Colleges) CDC/KU/25 and dated December 27, 2025, clarifies the duration of the holiday period and also lays down important instructions for teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as library services during the break. This announcement comes as a continuation of earlier communication regarding winter breaks issued on December 24, 2025.
Winter Break Dates Confirmed
The winter vacation will officially begin on:
- Start Date: January 1, 2026
- End Date: January 10, 2026
Normal academic activities are expected to resume immediately after the completion of the break.
This schedule applies specifically to private affiliated colleges located in the Jammu Division’s summer zone, meaning institutions that typically experience milder winters compared to those in the Valley’s winter zone.
Teaching & Non-Teaching Staff Required to Remain Available
Even as students enjoy the winter recess, the University has outlined responsibilities for college staff. The notification clearly states that both teaching and non-teaching staff must remain available in the college on days of inspection or whenever required during the vacation period.
This clause ensures that administrative and academic monitoring processes are not disrupted by the closure, allowing regulatory and institutional work to continue smoothly whenever needed.
Libraries to Remain Open During Winter Break
A key directive in the circular emphasizes that college libraries should continue to operate throughout the winter break. This provision aims to support students engaged in:
- Competitive exam preparation
- Research work
- Academic projects
- Self-study
By keeping libraries open, the University of Kashmir is ensuring consistent access to educational resources, which is particularly helpful for final-year students and those preparing for national or state-level entrance examinations.
Continuation of Previous Notification
The newly issued notice is explicitly described as a continuation of the earlier order dated December 24, 2025. This means the University has now provided final clarity regarding:
- Applicable colleges
- Duration of winter break
- Operational expectations from staff and libraries
Such structured communication helps prevent confusion among students, administrators, and faculty members.
Who Does the Winter Break Apply To?
This winter break notification applies only to:
✔ Private Sector Colleges
✔ Affiliated with the University of Kashmir
✔ Located in Jammu Division
✔ Coming under the summer zone category
It does not apply to colleges in winter-zone areas where separate academic and holiday calendars already exist due to weather conditions.
Official Authority
The notice has been issued under the signature of the Assistant Registrar, College Development Council, University of Kashmir.
This reiterates the official and binding status of the announcement for all relevant institutions.
Why Winter Break Matters for Students & Institutions
The University of Kashmir’s winter break policy is designed to:
🌨 Manage Seasonal Conditions
Even though the Jammu summer zone is relatively moderate in winter, the drop in temperatures still affects mobility and learning comfort.
📚 Support Academic Planning
Scheduled breaks allow:
- Faculty to plan courses
- Students to revise material
- Institutions to conduct maintenance
👩🏫 Balance Academic & Administrative Needs
By requiring staff availability, the University ensures:
- Inspections
- Governance functions
- Official reviews
can continue smoothly.
📖 Encourage Continuous Learning
Keeping libraries operational promotes:
- Self-study culture
- Research engagement
- Productive holiday use
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Winter Break Dates: January 1–10, 2026
- Applies To: Private affiliated colleges in Jammu Division (summer zone)
- Issued By: University of Kashmir – Dean College Development Council
- Staff Requirement: Teaching & non-teaching staff must stay available when needed
- Library Status: Remains open throughout the break
- Notice Date: December 27, 2025
What Students Should Know
Students enrolled in these colleges should:
✔ Note the break schedule
✔ Plan travel and study time accordingly
✔ Use library services if needed
✔ Resume classes after January 10, 2026
Those preparing for exams can especially benefit from uninterrupted library access.
Guidelines for Staff & Administration
Colleges are expected to:
- Ensure minimum administrative presence
- Keep library services functional
- Be prepared for inspection visits
- Follow University guidelines strictly
This structured framework helps maintain academic discipline even during vacation periods.
About the University of Kashmir
The University of Kashmir, accredited with NAAC Grade “A++”, is one of the premier educational institutions in the region, supervising academic standards, affiliation processes, and regulatory oversight for numerous colleges across Jammu & Kashmir.
The Dean College Development Council plays a central role in coordinating academic activities and ensuring policy implementation across affiliated institutions.
The announcement of the University of Kashmir winter break 2026 provides much-needed clarity for private affiliated colleges in the Jammu Division’s summer zone. With the winter vacation scheduled from January 1 to 10, 2026, students can plan their holidays and study routines accordingly, while staff members and institutions continue to support academic and administrative operations as required.
The continued operation of libraries during the break reflects the University’s commitment to academic continuity and student support — even during seasonal closures.
