In a move aimed at safeguarding students’ academic future, the Jammu Kashmir Education Board has granted one-time relief to students who were found slightly younger than the minimum age requirement for Class 10 exams.

The Board’s decision comes after identifying hundreds of students under the prescribed age limit, sparking concerns among schools and parents about potential academic loss.

Age Criteria and Relief Provision Explained

The minimum age required to appear for Class 10 examinations is 14 years. For students in Jammu Division (Summer Zone), the cutoff date is May 1st, while for those in Jammu’s Winter Zone and Ladakh, the age is calculated as of November 1st. This rule ensures uniformity and maturity among students taking one of the most critical exams in the Indian school system.

However, during the 2025 registration cycle, the Board found 965 students below the age limit. These included:

• 282 students from the Winter Zone of Jammu, and
• 683 students from the Kashmir Division and Kargil.

In response, the Education Board returned the registrations of these students to their respective schools, leading to concerns over them potentially losing a year of education.

Committee Formed to Avoid Academic Loss

Understanding the academic implications of losing a year, the Board swiftly formed a dedicated committee to review the cases. Based on the committee’s findings, a one-time exemption has been granted to students who were less than six months (or 180 days) younger than the minimum age requirement.

As per the latest decision:

• 959 students have been granted permission to appear in the upcoming November 2025 Class 10 exam.
• These students fall within the 180-day shortfall margin and belong to Jammu’s Winter Zone, Kashmir Division, and Ladakh.

This relief ensures that these students can continue their academic progress without unnecessary delay.

Strict Rule for Excess Underage Cases

While the Board has offered flexibility to a majority of the affected students, it has also maintained a strict stance on those who fall outside the six-month grace period.

• Six students were found to be more than six months underage.
• These students have been advised to re-admit in Class 10 for the 2025–26 academic session.

The Board clarified that any relaxation beyond the six-month mark is not permissible under the current regulations.

Mandatory Registration System Under the Board

The incident has also highlighted the importance of timely and accurate registration. Schools affiliated with the Jammu Kashmir Education Board are required to register students as soon as they enter Class 9.

The Board has emphasized that both schools and parents must verify age eligibility early on to avoid future complications in high-stakes exams.

The Jammu Kashmir Education Board has reiterated that this exemption is a one-time measure, aimed solely at preventing academic disruption for borderline cases. Future registrations will be scrutinized strictly, and schools are expected to follow age criteria with due diligence.

This balanced decision showcases the Board’s commitment to both educational discipline and student welfare.