75 BEd Colleges in Jammu Kashmir Lose Recognition Over NCTE Rule Violations

75 BEd Colleges Lose Recognition in Jammu Kashmir Over NCTE Rule Violations

In a major setback to teacher education in Jammu and Kashmir, around 75 Bachelor of Education (BEd) colleges across the Union Territory have been derecognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for failing to meet mandatory academic and infrastructural requirements.

Officials said the action follows the implementation of NCTE guidelines, notified in 2020–21, which made recognition compulsory for all BEd colleges in Jammu and Kashmir to continue operations. Nearly five years after the requirement came into force, the majority of private colleges could not fulfil the prescribed criteria and have now been barred from admitting fresh students from the current academic year.

An official said colleges were given adequate time to apply for NCTE recognition but fell short during inspections. “Most institutions were found lacking proper infrastructure, availability of land and other essential facilities. Based on these deficiencies, they were not permitted to continue the course,” the official said.

He clarified that the derecognition is not permanent. “These colleges have not been derecognised for a lifetime. Once they fulfil the required norms, they can reapply for NCTE recognition,” the official added.

At present, only two private BEd colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, Sanctorum College of Education, Sopore, and Franklin College of Education, Sopore, have valid NCTE recognition and are permitted to enroll new students.

Jammu Kashmir MP Ghulam Ali Khatana Allocates Majority of MPLADS Funds to Uttar Pradesh

Recently, the University of Kashmir invited online applications for admission to the two-year BEd programme for the 2025–27 session in these two Sopore-based colleges, which are affiliated with the university and recognised by NCTE.

According to the university notification, candidates applying for the programme must possess a Bachelor’s degree under the 10+2+3 pattern with at least 50 per cent marks for the general category and 45 per cent for reserved categories, either at the graduation or post-graduation level.

The issue was also raised in the ongoing budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, who sought government intervention to provide relief to the affected institutions.

“These colleges functioned even during the peak of militancy and attracted students from outside Jammu and Kashmir,” Parra told the House, adding that they played a role in integrating outside students with locals. He urged the education minister to take up the matter with the Ministry of Education.

Parra also criticised the government for not allowing the private sector to establish deemed universities in Jammu and Kashmir. “Outside JK, such institutions exist almost at the district level. Our students are forced to go outside and face hardships there. If safety cannot be ensured, at least allow the establishment of colleges or deemed universities here,” he said.

The large-scale derecognition is expected to significantly reduce BEd intake in the Union Territory, raising concerns about the future availability of trained teachers in the region.