Valley Observer Weekly Newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, June 18: In a welcome move set to improve the process of engagement of faculty on academic arrangement Directorate of Higher Education has launched a common portal for inviting online applications for the engagement of Lecturers, Teaching Assistants, Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), and Librarians on a need-based Academic Arrangement basis in Government Degree Colleges for the Academic Session 2025–26. The process of engagement will be done for colleges of Kashmir and Jammu Division by Nodal Principals of respective divisions in a time bound manner.

This initiative will facilitate single window system for submission of online applications to ensure uniform timelines and uninterrupted academic activity across the colleges in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

The online application portal — https://jkaa.directorcollegesjk.in — will open on June 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM and will remain accessible until July 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Aspiring candidates may apply for positions in Jammu Division, Kashmir Division, or both, depending on their eligibility and preference. Importantly, the Department has clarified that only online submissions will be accepted; physical or offline applications will not be entertained under any circumstances.

Applicants are strongly advised to go through the Detailed Advertisement Notice, Terms and Conditions, and the Application Manual available on the official portal before proceeding with their applications.

This engagement of faculty on academic arrangement provides a vital opportunity for qualified and passionate educators to contribute meaningfully to the higher education landscape of Jammu & Kashmir while fulfilling the critical academic needs of its degree colleges and gaining teaching experience as well.

For updates and detailed instructions, visit the official portal: https://jkaa.directorcollegesjk.in.

Ganderbal, June 17: Hon’ble Member of Parliament (MP), representing Srinagar Lok Sabha Constituency, Mr. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Tuesday visited the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) and interacted with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath and other key functionaries. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool and Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar were also present.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath welcomed Mr. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and briefed him about the ongoing academic, research and administrative activities of the University, and the roadmap envisioned for the future.

In his detailed presentation, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath highlighted the academic and research initiatives taken by the University, the infrastructural growth and the greater vision of transforming CUKashmir into a premier institution of higher learning.

CUKashmir Vice-Chancellor, informed the Hon’ble Parliament Member, that the varsity holds a pivotal place in shaping the educational landscape of the Valley. “CUKashmir is providing inclusive, and globally competitive education to the students from across the country,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath told the visiting MP. The VC explained the detailed academic and infrastructural initiatives of the university aimed at creating a vibrant ecosystem for education and employment of the youth.

Mr. Syed Aga Ruhullah, while interacting with the Vice-Chancellor, expressed satisfaction over the academic and administrative progress of the institution. He appreciated the efforts of the university for an intellectual educational ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

He assured his full support in facilitating necessary assistance from relevant quarters. Mr. Syed Aga Ruhullah stated that he would personally take up the university’s matters with the Ministry of Education and other concerned departments at the central and UT level to ensure that the institution receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves.

Dean Academic Affairs and the Registrar thanked the Hon’ble Member for his visit and the interest he has shown in growth and development of the University.

Srinagar, June 12: In the wake of introducing an innovative Design Your Degree Program (DYD) in the Cluster University Srinagar the honorable Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin, Controller of Examinations, Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Mir & Dean Academics, Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz interacted with the first batch of students registered for the innovative DYD program in the cluster university Srinagar. The program will be conducted from Amar Singh College & Govt. College of Education (IASE), the two constituent colleges of Cluster University Srinagar. In order to run the DYD program in its letter & spirit, it necessitates broader & deeper collaborations between the constituent colleges of Cluster University Srinagar including other lead institutions in the UT & outside. Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin, the honourable Vice Chancellor while alleviating the concerns about the DYD program, assured the students full support from the University in order to meet the needs & demands of this course. “The program is in line with & represents the real spirit of NEP-2020 in its curricular, pedagogic & assessment domains”, the Vice Chancellor said. “It is no wonder”, the VC added, “that the students registering for this program too must have the required attitude for immersing themselves wholeheartedly in this program”. Prof. Khursheed Mir, Controller of Examinations congratulated the students for joining the first of its kind innovative DYD program offered by Cluster University Srinagar. He said that the program will surely prove to be the game changer in the lives of students because the program is very much attuned to the needs of the present times. “This program is unconventional, in itself a disruptive program in the array of conventional programs offered by universities around the world”, he said. “In short, it’s doing away with a dead theory classrooms & bringing in a real life curriculum into the university ecosystem,” he concluded. Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz while highlighting the key features of the program said, “The program curriculum is curated & devised in such a fashion that it would trigger the critical & creative capacities of learners”. “This program,” she added, “will also test our institutional capabilities, since its ‘out of the box’ courses like critical thinking, disruptive technologies, digital humanities & problem solving in everyday life are knit with the day to day activities of life. The real life problems, she continued, “while being brought to the classroom will invoke & incite diverse potentialities & capabilities in learners towards a focused & functional knowledge construction under the guidance of the mentors from diverse backgrounds.” The official source from the Cluster University informed the press that 30 students have already registered for the program & as soon as the admission formalities are completed the program will begin in the designated constituent colleges of the Cluster University as per the specified date. Both the constituent colleges have been ramping up their efforts in order to provide deeper & wider experiences to the students of the program. “Collaborations & partnerships have been cemented & strengthened with multiple institutions besides undertaking of capacity building of mentors nominated for the program,” the official said.