Academic Session: November vs March?

The demand for restoring the academic session in Kashmir division from March-April to the traditional November-December schedule has gained momentum. Education Minister Sakina Itoo’s announcement that the government is considering a return to the November session is being welcomed by the parents and political leaders of regional parties. “Let us begin the work. We will review the department and then decide. We will put it in the public domain. We will take suggestions from people, especially parents and students, and then decide on the next steps,” the minister said in response to a question about the session change on Monday. One of the strongest arguments for returning to the November session comes from parents. Many parents feel that the current March-April session is not in sync with the Valley’s climate. The long winter break that follows the school year is seen as a major disruption, as students are forced to review the same material they already covered. This break not only hampers academic momentum but also leads to a sense of wasted time. By shifting back to the November session, students would avoid this gap, making their learning experience more continuous and efficient. The climate in Kashmir plays a key role in this discussion. With harsh winters and freezing temperatures, holding exams in March is challenging. The traditional November session allowed students to complete their exams before the onset of winter. Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone has pointed out this timing also gives students a significant academic advantage. Most national entrance exams and university admissions in India begin around June, and a November session allows Kashmiri students to complete their academic year six months ahead of time, giving them extra preparation for these crucial exams. The call for restoring the November session is not new. Parents, regional political parties, and even education experts have been advocating for this shift. Pertinently, the Peoples Democratic Party had listed shifting of the academic session in the winter zone from March to November in its manifesto for the recent assembly elections. However, transitioning from the March session to November would require adjustments in planning and curriculum pacing. These logistical concerns can be addressed through proper consultation and planning, as Minister Itoo indicated when she mentioned seeking input from all stakeholders. Restoring the November session aligns with the local context of Kashmir, addressing both academic and climatic needs. The move could alleviate the frustrations of parents and students who feel the current schedule is unsuitable. Moreover, the early completion of the academic year could give students an edge in competitive exams, positioning them better for future educational opportunities. Pertinently in 2022, the government implemented a shift in the academic session, moving the annual exams from October to March to ‘align J&K’s academic calendar with the National Academic Calendar’. By involving all stakeholders in this decision, the government has the opportunity to make a change that could improve the quality of education in the region and also bring relief to the parents as well as students.