Srinagar, June 13: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued instructions to all government and private recognised educational institutions across the Valley to refrain from conducting examinations during the observance of Muharram-ul-Haram later this month.
In an official directive released on Friday, the department announced that no in-house examinations, internal assessments or term-end tests will be held for students of any class between June 23 and June 27, 2026.
The move has been taken to facilitate the smooth observance of Muharram-ul-Haram, one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar. Educational authorities said the decision applies uniformly to all recognised schools functioning under the jurisdiction of the School Education Department in Kashmir.
According to the order, institutions have been asked to make necessary adjustments to their academic schedules and ensure that examination-related activities are not planned during the specified period. School administrations have also been advised to inform students, parents and teaching staff about the revised arrangements well in advance.
Officials said the directive is intended to avoid any inconvenience to students and families participating in religious events and commemorations associated with Muharram. The period witnesses large-scale gatherings and processions across various parts of Kashmir.
The Directorate emphasized that the instructions are mandatory and must be followed by all educational institutions without exception. Authorities warned that failure to adhere to the order would be viewed seriously and could result in disciplinary proceedings under the applicable rules and regulations.
School managements have been directed to ensure full compliance with the guidelines and coordinate with district education authorities wherever necessary. The department is expected to monitor implementation of the order across all districts during the specified dates.
The announcement has brought clarity for schools that were in the process of finalising assessment schedules for the academic session. Many institutions are now expected to reschedule examinations and internal evaluations to dates outside the Muharram observance period.
Education officials reiterated that academic activities may continue as per approved schedules, but no examination or assessment-related exercise should be conducted between June 23 and June 27.
The latest directive reflects the administration’s effort to accommodate important religious observances while ensuring that educational institutions function in an orderly and coordinated manner throughout the academic year.