SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has waived all fees for students from Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in Classes IX to XII in government schools, while the School Education Department is considering upgrading selected rural and far-flung high schools into higher secondary K-12 institutions.
The School Education Department issued Government Order No. 263-JK(Edu) of 2026 on July 8, 2026, providing for a full fee waiver for AAY students in Classes IX to XII across government schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the Government said any reduction or waiver of application or examination fees for students belonging to economically weaker sections more broadly remains an administrative matter.
The details were provided in response to an Unstarred Assembly question, D.No. 1/6/64, tabled by Ramgarh MLA Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal.
On career guidance, the Government said structured counselling is being provided to students in Classes IX to XII in government schools under the Samagra Shiksha framework.
For the current financial year, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has approved coverage of 2,241 high and higher secondary schools in Jammu and Kashmir, with a financial allocation of Rs 112.05 lakh for the activity.
The programme is intended to help students make informed choices about higher education, professional courses, scholarships and employment pathways based on their aptitude, interests and talents.
On school upgradation, the department said it was contemplating a proposal to upgrade high schools, particularly those in rural and far-flung areas, into higher secondary K-12 schools in view of limited access to senior secondary education.
The proposed exercise would cover schools currently having Classes I to X and is expected to focus on areas where such upgrades could improve access to higher secondary education.
However, the Government clarified that there is currently no immediate proposal to upgrade primary schools into middle schools or middle schools into high schools.
It said demands for school upgradation, including those from Ramgarh constituency in Samba district, would be examined in phases, subject to availability of budgetary provisions and other applicable norms.
