Jammu, March 25: Universities across Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with a severe faculty shortage, with around 40 per cent of teaching posts lying vacant, according to official data from the Higher Education Department.
The data shows that out of more than 3,300 sanctioned teaching posts across nine public and two central universities, only about 1,900 are currently filled, leaving institutions functioning significantly below their approved strength.
“More than 3,300 posts are sanctioned, while only around 1,900 are in position,” the data noted, adding that “around 40 per cent teaching posts are lying vacant across universities.”
The shortage varies widely across institutions. University of Jammu is operating with around 43 per cent vacancies, while University of Kashmir faces a 35 per cent shortfall. Among agricultural universities, SKUAST Jammu has nearly 42 per cent vacancies and SKUAST Kashmir about 21 per cent.
The situation is more acute in some institutions, with Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University reporting over 60 per cent vacancies and Islamic University of Science and Technology nearly two-thirds posts unfilled.
Central universities show relatively better staffing levels, with Central University of Jammu having 160 teachers against 177 sanctioned posts, while Central University of Kashmir has 108 teachers against 195 posts.
Despite the staffing crunch, student enrolment across universities has crossed 69,000, increasing pressure on existing faculty and academic infrastructure. The majority of students are locals, with around 3,465 non-local students, including a small number of foreign nationals.
Cluster University Jammu and Cluster University Srinagar have the highest enrolments, followed by the University of Kashmir. The rising student numbers, coupled with faculty shortages, have raised concerns over academic workload and quality of education.
Data also indicates that most universities have a predominantly local teaching workforce, while central universities have a higher proportion of non-local faculty.
“Institutions are functioning far below their approved strength,” the data highlighted, underlining the growing strain on higher education in the region.
