Recent Attacks in Pahalgam: Impact on Student Admissions in J&K Institutes
Education Experts Predict Admission Decline
Education analysts worry that the recent attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir, could decrease the number of students applying to top J&K institutions like IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, and NIT Srinagar in the future.
Safety Fears May Drive Parents to Seek Alternatives
Narayanan Ramaswamy, a KPMG partner and head of education and skill development in India, said the attack is “definitely bad news for admissions in institutions in the region.” He noted that parents prioritizing their children’s safety might look for alternatives to J&K institutions.
Government Action Can Ease Security Worries
Ramaswamy stressed that quick and decisive government action, along with visible security measures, would be vital in making J&K institutions appealing to students.
Faculty Members Ensure Campus Safety
Despite the recent attacks, faculty members at valley institutions are maintaining secure and functional campuses.
- An Indian Institute of Management Jammu official stated that terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and should not impact education or admissions.
- Atikur Rehman, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar’s Registrar, confirmed that there is no law and order issue on campus and that the institute is not concerned about admissions or placements.
Previous Challenges for J&K Students
This is not the first time students in Jammu and Kashmir have faced such challenges.
Central Institutes Attract Out-of-State Students
Suchindra Kumar, a PwC partner and education sector leader, pointed out that only Central institutes in J&K have attracted a significant number of out-of-state students. Except for NIT Srinagar, others are not based in the valley and are considered safe.
Administration Addressed Local vs Non-Local Issues
Kumar noted that there have been local vs non-local issues at the NIT campus during the last decade. However, the administration has taken swift action to resolve the crisis and refocus on teaching and learning.
Student Quality and NIT Brand Ensure Continuity
Kumar added that the quality of students and the NIT brand have ensured continuity, even during valley disturbances. NIT Srinagar has operated at almost 90%+ of total intake capacity during the 2010s when there were significant disturbances in the valley.
J&K College Rankings
In NIRF 2024, IIM Jammu ranked 42nd among India’s top management institutes, while IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar ranked 62nd and 79th, respectively, among the top engineering colleges. University of Kashmir and University of Jammu (JU) ranked 69th and 87th, respectively, in overall ratings.
Number of Students Enrolled in J&K
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21, over 230,966 students are enrolled in undergraduate courses, and 20,278 are pursuing post-graduation as of 2020-21 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Outstation J&K Students Also Impacted
Jammu and Kashmir students studying in other states have also been affected. There have been reports of assaults and harassments against Kashmiri students in other states following the attacks. The resident commission under the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched helpline numbers for outstation J&K students.
