Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Feb 23: Academic activity resumed across Kashmir today as secondary and higher secondary schools reopened after more than two months of winter vacation, restoring routine classroom teaching across campuses.
The reopening was in accordance with the winter schedule issued by the Government in November last year for both Government and private schools in Kashmir.
School campuses witnessed increased movement as students returned to classrooms following the prolonged winter break.
Many were enthusiastic about resuming studies and reconnecting with teachers and classmates.
Abdul Aleem, a Class 12 student, said returning to school would help restore academic discipline.
Arhan Irfan said the reopening brought renewed energy. “I am very happy to be back in school after such a long break. School is more engaging because we take part in different activities, while at home we are mostly indoors,” she said, adding that she was particularly excited to meet her friends.
Students said the return to classrooms would help them refocus on studies and maintain a structured routine.
Officials said teaching staff had reported on February 20 to complete necessary academic and administrative preparations to ensure the smooth resumption of classes.
Parents also welcomed the reopening, saying classroom learning was essential for academic progress.
“Children were waiting to return to school. Studies at home cannot replace classroom learning. It is good that regular academic work has resumed,” said Shafat Ahmad.
For Classes 1 to 8, the winter vacation commenced on December 1, 2025, and will continue until February 28. These schools are scheduled to reopen on March 2.
As per the directives, the winter break for Classes 9 to 12 was observed from December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026, with classes resuming on February 23.
Meanwhile, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Naseer Ahmad Wani today visited several schools in south Kashmir as part of the reopening day outreach and the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Academic Excellence.”
Wani attended the morning assembly at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Bijbehara in Anantnag district, where he joined students and staff in prayer and wished them a bright academic year.
Continuing his outreach programme, he visited Higher Secondary School Nihama in Kulgam district and Higher Secondary School Letpora in Pulwama district, where he interacted with students about their academic goals and activities undertaken during the winter break.
He encouraged them to set clear academic targets and assured full institutional support from the department.
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