JAMMU, February 19, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday disclosed that 12,977 teaching posts are currently vacant across the Union Territory, while no middle, high or higher secondary school has been upgraded since November 2024, highlighting persistent challenges in the education sector.
In a written reply to a starred question raised by BJP MLA Shri Shakti Raj Parihar in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo informed that 7,985 posts are vacant in the Jammu division, while 4,992 posts are lying vacant in the Kashmir division.
District-wise Vacancy Picture
As per the official data placed before the House, Rajouri (1,416), Kathua (1,332), Jammu (1,234) and Poonch (946) account for the highest number of teacher vacancies in the Jammu division. In the Kashmir division, Anantnag (1,016) tops the list, followed by Budgam (797), Pulwama (764) and Kupwara (621).
Promotional Vacancies
The minister further revealed that 1,946 promotional posts of Masters are vacant across J&K, including 1,722 posts in the Kashmir division and 224 in the Jammu division. She clarified that all such promotional vacancies are being filled through Divisional Level Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules.
No School Upgradation Since 2024
Replying to another query, Itoo stated that no school has been upgraded to the next level since November 2024. She said there is no immediate proposal under consideration for upgradation of schools, particularly in hilly and remote areas of Doda district.
Explaining the reasons, the minister said that upgradation involves development of infrastructure, creation of teaching and non-teaching posts, and significant financial implications, which require concurrence from the Finance Department.
However, she assured that whenever proposals are initiated, feasible schools in districts like Doda will be considered strictly as per feasibility reports, existing norms and actual requirements.
The disclosure underscores the acute shortage of teaching staff and fiscal constraints affecting expansion of educational infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
