Class 8th annual exams to be conducted in-house by all schools, orders J&K government

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 12 (STC): All government and recognized private schools have been directed by the Jammu and Kashmir government to conduct in-house Summative/Annual Exams for Class 8th under the supervision of Cluster or Complex Heads starting from the 2024–25 academic session.

In this new order changing the way Class 8th annual examinations will be held across the Union Territory, the government in its Order No. 629-JK(Edu) of 2025, dated October 11, 2025, says: “Government and recognized private schools will conduct in-house Summative/Annual Exams for Class 8th under the supervision of Cluster or Complex Heads starting from the 2024–25 academic session.”
The move aims to make assessments more competency-based and student-focused, in line with the NEP 2020.
The new system includes regular formative assessments, remedial teaching for weak students, and supplementary attempts to ensure every child reaches Class 9 successfully. DIETs will maintain data of all students and coordinate implementation through Cluster Heads.
The order directs SCERT and DIETs to train teachers on competency-based question papers, Holistic Progress Cards, and evaluation methods.
School Heads will set common question papers focusing on areas where districts performed poorly in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report. The Director School Education will oversee exam scheduling and monitoring.
As per the schedule, results will be declared before March 20 in Summer Zones and before October 25 in Winter Zones, while new classes will begin from April 1 and November 1, respectively.
The government has also instructed schools to strengthen Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) for regular progress sharing and communication.
(Straight Talk Communications)