Kashmir Ahead

DSEJ announces free coaching for destitute, orphan, and BPL students for 2025-26 session

Jammu, March 20, 2025 – The Directorate of School Education Jammu has unveiled a transformative initiative to provide free coaching to destitute, orphan, and Below Poverty Line students for the 2025-26 academic session. The program, which will be available in both online and offline modes, aims to support underprivileged students by partnering with private tuition centres across the Jammu region.

According to a statement attributed to the Director of School Education Jammu, the initiative targets candidates and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them access to quality education and academic support. The move is seen as a significant step toward leveling the educational playing field for those who might otherwise lack such opportunities due to financial constraints.

The coaching program will commence with admissions for the 2025-26 session, expected to begin in April 2025, aligning with the academic calendar in Jammu and Kashmir. It will cater to students preparing for key examinations, including board exams and competitive tests, with subjects likely to include Mathematics, Science, and English, though specific details are yet to be finalized.

Eligibility for the program will reportedly be determined by official BPL status, orphan certification, or verification of destitute conditions through local authorities. Private tuition centers will play a pivotal role, with the DSEJ expected to empanel qualified institutions to deliver the coaching. The dual-mode approach—online via digital platforms and offline in physical centers—ensures flexibility and accessibility, particularly for students in remote areas.

While the DSEJ has not yet released an official circular detailing the scheme’s funding or registration process, sources suggest it could be supported by state government allocations or central education schemes like Samagra Shiksha. The initiative builds on previous DSEJ efforts to enhance educational access, such as the promotion of the Sathhe App for competitive exam preparation in December 2024.

Educational authorities and community leaders have welcomed the announcement. “This is a lifeline for students who dream of a better future but lack resources,” said a local educator in Jammu, speaking on condition of anonymity. However, questions remain about the scale of implementation and the capacity of private tuition centers to accommodate the anticipated demand.

Students and guardians seeking to enroll are advised to monitor the official DSEJ website (dsej.jk.gov.in) for updates on registration, which is expected to open soon. The Directorate has emphasized that further instructions will be issued to Chief Education Officers and school heads to ensure smooth rollout of the program.

This initiative comes amid broader efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to address educational disparities, reflecting the region’s commitment to inclusive growth as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020. As the 2025-26 session approaches, the free coaching scheme promises to empower a new generation of learners from the most marginalized sections of society.

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