J&K Education Department Seeks 15–20% Syllabus Reduction for Classes 10th, 11th and 12th
Jammu, Sept 8: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has written to the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) asking for special relief for students of the winter zone. In a formal letter (No: DSEJ/2025/46845-62 dated 08-09-2025), the department has requested the Board to either cut down the syllabus for the current academic session or introduce more flexible options in the upcoming examinations.
The move comes after DSEJ collected feedback from all Chief Education Officers of Jammu Division schools located in the winter zone. These officers reported that students are finding it difficult to complete the full syllabus on time due to limited working days and other academic pressures. Based on these inputs, the Directorate has recommended a 15 to 20 per cent reduction of the syllabus to make things easier.
Officials have also explained why cutting out only specific topics may not be fair. Different schools have taught different parts of the syllabus, so removing fixed chapters could create confusion and inequality. Instead, the Directorate has proposed that JKBOSE could give students an open choice in examinations, meaning students can choose from a wider set of questions. This would maintain uniformity across schools while still lowering stress.
The letter further says that any such relief would help students understand and remember the prescribed content better and would also support their mental health and well-being. It has left it open for JKBOSE to choose the exact mechanism; either by reducing the syllabus, giving open choices, or any other suitable measure.
Copies of the communication have been sent to all Joint Directors and Chief Education Officers of Jammu Division, as well as the School Education Department at the Civil Secretariat Jammu, so that all stakeholders are aware of the request.
FAQs: What This Means for Students and Parents
1. Has the syllabus been reduced yet?
No. At present, the Directorate has only sent a request to JKBOSE. The Board has not yet announced any decision.
2. Who will decide on the reduction or open choice?
The final decision rests with the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE). It will review the request and issue a formal order if approved.
3. Will this affect all classes?
The letter specifically mentions students of the winter zone. Any relief, if granted, is expected to apply to the classes covered under JKBOSE examinations in that zone.
4. What does “open choice” mean in exams?
Open choice means that instead of answering all questions, students are allowed to choose from a larger number of questions (for example, answer any 5 out of 8). This helps when some parts of the syllabus have not been fully covered.
5. When will we know the final decision?
No date has been announced. Students and parents should regularly check the JKBOSE website (www.jkbose.nic.in) and the Directorate’s website (www.schedujammu.nic.in) for updates.
6. How should schools prepare right now?
Schools should continue teaching as per the current syllabus until an official order is issued. They should also keep students informed about any changes announced by JKBOSE.
