Srinagar, July 9 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued fresh guidelines directing teachers possessing more than one Post-Graduate (PG) qualification to opt for only one subject for the purposes of seniority and promotion, saying the move is aimed at ensuring uniformity, transparency and effective cadre management.
According to Circular No. 06-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated July 7, issued by the School Education Department, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, every teacher holding dual or multiple PG qualifications must exercise a one-time written option before the concerned Director of School Education within 30 days.
The circular states that only the opted PG subject will be recognised for fixation of seniority and consideration for promotion.
“The option once exercised shall be final and irrevocable and shall govern all future service matters relating to seniority and promotion,” the circular reads.
The government observed that recognition of multiple PG qualifications for a single teacher had led to administrative complications in maintaining seniority, determining promotional eligibility and managing cadres.
The Directors of School Education, Jammu and Kashmir, have been directed to identify all such teachers, obtain their options within the stipulated period and ensure that only the selected PG qualification is reflected in the relevant seniority and promotion records.
The circular further clarifies that all other PG qualifications possessed by the teacher, whether acquired before or after issuance of the circular, shall not be recognised for seniority or promotion purposes.
The department has also directed the Directorates to consolidate the details of the options exercised by teachers and submit them to the Administrative Department for updating discipline-wise seniority records.
In cases where a teacher fails to exercise the option within the prescribed period, the department will determine the subject or discipline for seniority and promotion in accordance with applicable service rules and service records. No request for change of subject or promotional stream will be entertained thereafter.
The School Education Department said the instructions have been issued to ensure consistency, transparency and effective cadre management across the department, warning that any deviation from the guidelines will be viewed seriously and dealt with under the applicable rules. (JKNS)
