Jammu and Kashmir Reserves 25% Seats and Jobs for Locals in Private Universities Under New Rules

November 7, 2026

Jammu: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has notified the ‘Private Universities Rules, 2026’ providing for 25 per cent reservation in admissions and jobs in private universities for local residents.

A minimum of 25 per cent of seats will be reserved in private universities for students from Jammu and Kashmir. This reservation has been provided for in teaching and non-teaching roles too. This will provide more opportunities in education and employment for local youth.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Education Minister Shamima Firdous on the notification of the rules, calling it a significant development in boosting the higher education sector in the UT.

New Rules Will Make it Easier for Top National and International Institutions to Establish Campuses in State

“Under the new framework, reputed national and international educational institutions will find it easier to establish their campuses in the state. This will bring investment and boost the academic infrastructure here, providing more opportunities for students in the state,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

The rules will encourage teaching, research and innovation in various fields like science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), medicine, law, business studies and liberal arts.

This will make specialised courses more accessible to students in the UT. This may reduce students having to relocate to cities like Delhi, Punjab and Bengaluru. This can save families money on relocation and accommodation costs.

10% Scholarships For Students from Economically Weaker Backgrounds

Merit-cum-means scholarships will be provided by private universities to a minimum of 10 per cent of their students. This will make higher education more accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds.

The notification follows Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha granting assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026.

The act and rules provide a legal framework for private and foreign higher education institutions to come into the UT. The government hopes this will bring investment, employment and boost economic growth.

Private Universities Will Operate Under Regulatory Authority

Private universities will operate under the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Regulatory Authority.

There will be no capitation fees and there will be protections in place for regulating fees. Accreditation will also be required within 5 years.

The government hopes that reputable educational institutions coming into the state will encourage research, innovation and healthy competition between students. It also hopes that this will encourage current public universities to improve their curriculum, infrastructure and technology.