SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued fresh guidelines directing that only one Post-Graduate (PG) qualification will be recognised for determining the seniority and promotion of teachers, requiring those with multiple PG degrees to exercise a one-time choice within 30 days.
According to Circular No. 05-JK (Edu) of 2026, issued by the School Education Department, the decision has been taken to ensure uniformity, transparency, equity and effective cadre management after it was observed that some teachers possessed more than one PG qualification and were seeking inclusion in the seniority lists of multiple subjects.
The circular states that every teacher holding dual or multiple PG qualifications must submit a one-time written option to the concerned Director of School Education, indicating the single PG subject in which he or she wishes to be considered for seniority and promotion.
The government has made it clear that the option exercised will be final and irrevocable and will govern all future service matters related to seniority and promotions.
The Directors of School Education, Jammu and Kashmir, have been directed to identify all such teachers, obtain their options within the stipulated period and ensure that only the selected PG qualification is reflected in the relevant seniority and promotion records.
The circular further states that once the option is finalised, all other PG qualifications, whether obtained before or after the issuance of the circular, will not be recognised for the purposes of seniority or promotion and will not form part of the relevant records.
The Directors have also been instructed to consolidate the details of the options received and submit them to the Administrative Department for updating discipline-wise seniority records.
The government has warned that teachers who fail to exercise their option within the prescribed 30-day period will have their subject or discipline for seniority and promotion determined by the department in accordance with applicable service rules and their service records. No request for any subsequent change of subject or promotional stream will be entertained.
The School Education Department said the instructions have been issued to ensure consistency and effective cadre management and will apply notwithstanding any previous administrative practice. It has also warned that any deviation from the guidelines will be viewed seriously and dealt with under the applicable rules and regulations.
