# Education in Jammu and Kashmir

Education in Jammu and Kashmir is based on 5-tier model which includes primary schools, middle schools, higher secondary schools, Colleges and University. As per the census of 2011, Jammu and Kashmir has the literacy rate of 68%. However, there has been an increase in the numbers in recent years. The has been a recent focus on quality higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.

## History

The modern education system was introduced in Kashmir in the second half of the 19th century by Christian missionaries. Maharaja Ranbir Singh's School was the only school run by the state in 1874. In 1880, J.H. Knowles opened the first missionary school was opened in Srinagar.

## Higher Education
### Universities

There are two central universities and nine state universities in the Jammu and Kashmir.
Universities in Jammu and Kashmir :
| University | Location | Type | Established | Specialization |
| University of Kashmir | Srinagar | State | 1948 | General |
| University of Jammu | Jammu | State | 1969 | General |
| Central Sanskrit University - Shree Ranbir Campus | Jammu | Central | 1971 | Sanskrit |
| Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir | Srinagar | State | 1982 | Agriculture |
| Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences | Srinagar | State | 1983 | Medical Sciences |
| Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu | Jammu | State | 1999 | Agriculture |
| Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University | Katra | State | 2004 | Science, technology |
| Islamic University of Science and Technology | Awantipora | State | 2005 | Science, technology |
| Baba Ghulam Shah Badhshah University | Rajauri | State | 2005 | General |
| Central University of Jammu | Jammu | Central | 2009 | General |
| Central University of Kashmir | Srinagar | Central | 2009 | General |
| Cluster University of Jammu | Jammu | State | 2016 | General |
| Cluster University of Srinagar | Srinagar | State | 2016 | General |

## Entrance examinations

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) is an independent entity empowered to autonomously administer Entrance Tests and determine the selection of candidates for diverse professional courses. The range of entrance tests overseen by JKBOPEE encompasses the Polytechnic Entrance Test (PET), Common Entrance Test (CET) specifically for engineering, B.Ed, Postgraduate Diploma Entrance Tests, and Paramedical Entrance Test. In addition to coordinating entrance examinations, the board assumes the responsibility for facilitating admissions and counseling processes for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical courses, aligning with NEET UG and PG scores, respectively.
In 2002, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations Act was enacted by the State Legislature, leading to the establishment of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance under the provisions of the Act. This new board replaced the previously existing Competent Authority Entrance Examinations. The legislative action aimed to empower the examining body to conduct entrance tests with increased vigor, allowing it to carry out candidate selection independently, objectively, and with enhanced efficiency.
The composition of the JKBOPEE includes a chairman and other members appointed by the Government. The chairman, a full-time paid official, is appointed by the Government. Additionally, the board has other full-time officers, such as the secretary, controller of examinations, financial advisor/chief accounts Officer, and law officer. Alongside these officers, the board is supported by subordinate staff who contribute to its overall functioning.