Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Apr 6: Government degree colleges in Jammu division recorded steady and widespread growth in enrolment in 2025, while Kashmir division showed a mixed trend, with gains concentrated in major urban institutions and declines in several peripheral colleges, according to official data.
A comparison of 2024 and 2025 figures shows Jammu as the more consistent performer, with enrolment rising across most districts, including Kathua, Udhampur, Samba, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch.
In Jammu district, leading colleges sustained high intake. Government Gandhi Nagar College recorded 1,764 students in 2025. Maulana Azad Memorial College rose from 1,336 to 1,628, Government College for Women increased from 1,282 to 1,482, and Government Science College edged up slightly to 1,490 from 1,480.
Kathua district saw broad-based gains, reflecting improving access in rural belts. Government Degree College Kathua increased from 1,005 to 1,089. Hiranagar rose from 204 to 273, Billawar from 211 to 257, Bani from 61 to 112, Mahanpur from 28 to 53, and Ramkote from 23 to 57.
In Udhampur, Government Degree College (Boys) grew from 807 to 1,061, while Government Women College increased from 614 to 837.
Samba district also recorded steady growth, with GDC Samba rising from 624 to 786, Vijaypur from 44 to 69, and Ramgarh from 73 to 85.
Hilly districts also posted gains. In Doda, enrolment increased from 401 to 556, and Bhaderwah from 307 to 392. Kishtwar rose from 390 to 530. Ramban recorded increases in Banihal (89 to 133), Ramban (132 to 146), and Ukhral (39 to 71), though Batote declined from 58 to 38.
Rajouri and Poonch also reported consistent growth. GDC Rajouri increased from 515 to 657, Sunderbani from 168 to 209, and Nowshera from 265 to 273. In Poonch, Shri Krishan Chander Government Degree College rose from 623 to 796, Mendhar from 253 to 305, and Surankote from 222 to 235.
In contrast, Kashmir division recorded uneven trends. While major colleges in Srinagar and district headquarters saw sharp increases, several smaller institutions reported declines.
Among top performers, Government Degree College (Women) M.A. Road, Srinagar, rose from 3,676 to 4,182, and Amar Singh College from 1,540 to 2,105. Government Degree College (Boys) Anantnag increased from 1,259 to 1,633, and Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous) from 1,083 to 1,229.
Other gains were recorded in Pulwama (936 to 1,078), Kulgam (1,001 to 1,022), Bandipora (341 to 390), Sumbal (505 to 513), and Government Degree College for Women Anantnag (775 to 901).
However, several colleges posted declines. Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar, dropped from 1,251 to 1,141, GDC Hyderpora from 128 to 95, and Government College of Education M.A. Road from 48 to 14.
Declines were sharper in some peripheral institutions, including Bijbehara, Tral and several Kupwara colleges, though Handwara and Sogam recorded gains. Women’s colleges across both divisions continued to show steady growth, indicating rising female participation in higher education.
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