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Winter Vacations 2025-26 for Degree Colleges: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, through the Higher Education Department, has officially announced the winter vacation schedule for all Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.
According to Government Order No. 497-JK(HE) of 2025, dated today, December 23, 2025, the vacations have been scheduled “in the interest of administration.” The order brings clarity for students and faculty in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, with distinct timelines for Winter and Summer zones.
Official Vacation Schedule
The order outlines three specific categories for the vacation period. Students should check which zone their college falls under to know their exact holidays.
| Division / Zone | Start Date | End Date |
| Kashmir Division (All Govt Degree Colleges) | Dec 24, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 |
| Jammu Division (Winter Zone Colleges) | Dec 24, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 |
| Jammu Division (Summer Zone Colleges) | Jan 01, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 |
Key Highlights of the Order
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Immediate Effect: The winter break for Kashmir Division and Winter Zone areas of Jammu begins almost immediately, starting tomorrow, December 24, 2025.
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Summer Zone Delay: Colleges in the Summer Zone of Jammu Division (areas like Jammu, Kathua, Samba, etc.) will have a shorter break starting later, from January 1, 2026.
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Authority: The order was issued by Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department.
Comparison with Earlier Proposals
It is worth noting that earlier proposals had suggested a start date of December 27. However, the administration has decided to advance the break to December 24, providing relief to students ahead of the peak winter period (Chillai Kalan).
Conclusion
With this official notification, all speculations regarding the college winter break have been put to rest. Students are advised to utilize this time effectively for their upcoming semester studies while staying safe during the harsh winter conditions. Colleges are expected to resume academic activities promptly on the reopening dates mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do winter vacations start for Kashmir colleges?
Vacations for all Government Degree Colleges in the Kashmir Division start on December 24, 2025.
2. What is the vacation schedule for Jammu Summer Zone colleges?
Colleges in the Summer Zone of Jammu will observe vacations from January 1, 2026 to February 10, 2026.
3. When will colleges reopen in Kashmir?
Colleges in Kashmir are scheduled to reopen on February 15, 2026 (vacations end on Feb 14).
4. Who issued this winter vacation order?
The order was issued by the Higher Education Department, J&K Government, and signed by Shantmanu (IAS).
5. Does this order apply to private colleges?
The order explicitly mentions “Government Degree Colleges of J&K.” Private institutions typically follow suit, but students should confirm with their specific college administration.
