The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) launched its annual regular Class 10 examinations on Monday, 19 October 2026, with over 97,000 students appearing across 1,003 centres spread through the Kashmir Valley and the winter-zone areas of Jammu division. The board-level assessments mark one of the largest single-day examination mobilisations in the union territory.

Student and Centre Distribution

Of the total registered candidates, 72,232 students are enrolled under the Kashmir division, supported by 687 examination centres, while 25,268 students in the winter-zone areas of Jammu division are appearing at 316 centres. A smaller cohort of students is also sitting the examination in Leh and Kargil, bringing the geographical spread of the exercise to some of the most remote corners of the union territory.

JKBOSE Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, who visited several examination centres on the opening day, confirmed that the assessments are being conducted across 10 districts of the Kashmir division and 7 districts of the Jammu division.

Special Provisions for Differently-Abled Candidates

A dedicated examination centre has been established at the Board's own office to accommodate eligible candidates with special needs. Sheikh confirmed that these students are being granted 20 minutes of additional time, scribes appropriate to the nature of their disabilities, and a five-mark concession in the passing criteria. 'We try our best to facilitate them and to make their academic dreams come true,' he said.

Government and Administration's Message

Education Minister Sakina Itoo extended her best wishes to students appearing in the Class 10, 11, and 12 examinations, affirming that JKBOSE had completed all preparatory arrangements for their smooth and orderly conduct. She urged students to remain confident, manage their time wisely, and approach the examinations with a calm and positive mindset.

Commissioner and Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, also conveyed his wishes and directed Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Complex Heads to ensure a supportive environment for students. He stressed that effective counselling and necessary assistance should be made available to help students manage examination-related stress.

Grievance Redressal and Transparency Measures

To maintain transparency and address student concerns promptly, JKBOSE has constituted a dedicated Grievance cum Monitoring Cell. Officials indicated that the Board held prior deliberations with joint secretaries and deputy secretaries to refine processes and pre-empt disruptions.

Examination Schedule

The Class 10 examinations began on 19 October and are scheduled to conclude on 18 November 2026. The annual regular Class 12 examination will commence on 21 October and run through 21 November 2026. As the first major board-level cycle in J&K's post-reorganisation administrative calendar, the smooth conduct of these exams will be closely watched by education administrators and families alike.