Peerzada Masarat Shah
By shifting the exam session to March, we disrupted the natural rhythm of the academic cycle in the Kashmir Valley. Two years ago, when the decision to move exams from November to March was made, there was considerable public opposition. Many experts pointed out the futility of this change and its negative effects on the region’s educational structure. Although there were assurances that stakeholders would be consulted, the decision was imposed without their input.
What made matters worse was the manner in which the change was implemented, as if the November session was somehow problematic for the system. Now, with a civilian government in place and renewed attention from educational forums, a promising response has come from the education minister, expressing willingness to revert to the November session next year. This change is a step in the right direction.
It’s worth noting that shifting the exam session has happened before in the Kashmir Valley, though for entirely different reasons. After much deliberation, those shifts were reversed because the consensus favored the November session, which aligns better with the Valley’s academic cycle. This system is largely guided by the changing seasons, making it a natural fit.
Under the November session, the academic year would conclude around October, and exams would be held during dry and moderate weather conditions. Schools wouldn’t need to make any special arrangements, and for board exams, there would be ample time to prepare results before the winter break. For other classes, schools could finalize results and begin the next academic year before the winter vacation, giving students the chance to use this period for completing portions of their syllabus stress-free. Students preparing for professional exams would also benefit from this extra time.
However, the shift to March robs students of these advantages. The new academic session doesn’t start until April, effectively wasting time that could have been used for instruction and learning.
In hindsight, this experiment has felt like an unnecessary and bureaucratic disruption of an academic system that was functioning smoothly for Kashmir’s students, teachers, and parents.
The author can be reached at peerzadamasarat@gmail.com
