Classrooms are slowly becoming empty, and it is a serious concern. In 2025, more than 13% of students at the secondary level dropped out of school. Around 17% left at the primary level, and about 12% at senior secondary. Government schools make up over 77% of total schools, but only 54% of students study there. More than 3,000 schools have 10 or fewer students, and some have no students at all. This shows a deep problem in the education system.
The reasons are clear. Many schools have poor buildings, no electricity, no clean water, and no proper toilets. Because of this, parents prefer private schools. There are also not enough teachers, and many posts remain empty for years. School days are often lost due to protests, curfews, bad weather, and delays. In villages, children walk long distances only to find schools where little or no teaching happens. This leads to weak learning, especially in reading and maths. Only about 72.9% of students continue studies after Class 10, and fewer students are going to colleges.
Higher education is also facing problems. Many students go abroad for MBBS, but some get stuck due to wars in countries like Ukraine and Iran. In local private colleges, issues like unapproved courses lead to protests and suspensions. In the Valley, schools and colleges often close due to unrest or long winter breaks, affecting studies. Students also face stress, confusion, and lack of career guidance, which sometimes leads to depression or even drug use.
This is not just an education problem—it is about the future. If students do not get proper education today, it will lead to unemployment, migration, and social issues tomorrow. Many bright students are already leaving the region. If this continues, the gap between rich and poor will grow, and rural students will suffer the most.
Solutions are simple but need action. The government must fill teacher vacancies, improve school facilities, and close or merge very small schools while ensuring access in far areas. Better private colleges can help students stay and study locally. Schools and colleges should also focus on skill-based education, career guidance, and mental health support.
Students are not just numbers—they are the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Education must be treated as a top priority. If not, we risk losing an entire generation.
