Jammu and Kashmir notifies Private Universities Rules

The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the Private Universities Rules, 2026, establishing a new regulatory framework for higher education in the Union Territory. The rules aim to attract national and international educational institutions by streamlining approval procedures, including a provision for preliminary scrutiny within 30 days.

A key feature of the new framework is a 25 per cent reservation for Jammu and Kashmir domiciles in both student admissions and employment, covering teaching and non-teaching positions. Additionally, private universities will be required to provide merit-cum-means scholarships to at least 10 per cent of their student intake to support students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the notification as a milestone that will strengthen the academic ecosystem and encourage investment in disciplines such as STEM, medicine, law, and business. The initiative is intended to allow students to pursue specialized courses locally, reducing the financial burden of relocating to other cities.