When the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awarded Kashmir University (KU) the highest possible grade of A++, many expected it to mark the dawn of a new era for higher education in the Valley. In theory, such recognition places KU among the most distinguished institutions of the country. Yet, the ground reality tells a different story. The paradox is hard to miss: while KU celebrates it’s A++ badge, dozens of seats in postgraduate (PG) courses across departments remain vacant.The degree colleges affiliated to KU are scoring worst in terms of student enrollment. The satellite campuses of KU in south and north Kashmir are struggling equally. Other universities in this region are too struggling to fill the seats in classrooms. This irony becomes starker when we recall that some years ago, when KU was rated only in the Bcategory, it was still the most sought-after destination for higher studies in Kashmir. Admission was a cut-throat competition. Students saw KU as their first and most natural choice. But today, despite the institutional upgrade in paper rankings, the vibrancy that once drew students seems to have waned. Why has this paradox unfolded? The first factor lies outside the university itself: changing aspirations. Students in Kashmir are no longer confined to local or regional institutions. With the opening up of opportunities in central universities, IITs, IIMs, and even international universities, the horizon has widened. Online applications, government scholarships, and digital exposure have made mobility easier than ever before.
A few decades ago, KU was almost the default option for anyone seeking a master’s degree. Today, however, many ambitious students bypass KU and aim for institutions that promise stronger career outcomes, better exposure, and national recognition. KU’s NAAC grade may look impressive on paper, but aspirants weigh it against real prospects of employability, and often decide otherwise. The NAAC system rewards compliance with documentation, infrastructure, and processes. KU undoubtedly performed well on these fronts to secure it’s A++ grade. But students judge universities through a different lens: quality of faculty, vibrancy of research, peer culture, and above all, career opportunities. This is where the paradox sharpens. The perception of KU’s academic culture does not always match the glitter of its grade. Delays in examinations, lack of timely declaration of results, outdated syllabi, and bureaucratic hurdles weaken student confidence. Even if a department has capable faculty and quality teaching, the larger institutional reputation suffers because of these administrative bottlenecks.In effect, KU appears to have scored well on the parameters of assessment, but not necessarily on the parameters of experience.
Perhaps the most serious challenge for KU is the gap between its curriculum and market demands. Many of the postgraduate programs are traditional, discipline-bound, and overly theoretical. They do not sufficiently integrate internships, fieldwork, industry collaboration, or skill-based modules that prepare graduates for real-world challenges. In contrast, universities elsewhere are innovating with interdisciplinary courses, digital skills training, and partnerships with industries. Students who compare options see a sharp difference. For instance, a master’s program in computer science in many Indian universities now emphasizes artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity. KU’s offerings often lag behind.As a result, the student who seeks a degree that will guarantee employability finds KU less attractive, regardless of it’s A++ status.
One of the recurring complaints against KU is the slow pace of academic processes. Admissions stretch unnecessarily, examinations are delayed, and results take months to be declared. In today’s competitive environment, students simply cannot afford to lose time. Every lost semester or delayed degree translates into lost opportunities in national-level recruitment or further education.
“KU is struggling to fill its postgraduate (PG) seats, despite its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation. This is a crucial lesson for all higher education institutions: student trust and satisfaction matter more than official ratings. To regain its status, KU needs to update its curriculum, ensure timely processes, and create a student-focused environment. Otherwise, its high accreditation will remain a paradox—celebrated in reports but not in practice.”
Even the perception of such delays can discourage students from opting for KU. A university may boast high accreditation, but if students fear bureaucratic hurdles and wasted time, they prefer to look elsewhere. Another aspect of the problem is that KU has lost its exclusivity. In earlier decades, KU was virtually the only institution offering postgraduate programs in Kashmir. Additionally, the growth of online education, including distance learning, MOOCs, and virtual degrees, has created a parallel universe of opportunities. For many, the prestige of studying in KU does not outweigh the convenience and global exposure that online programs offer. If Kashmir University is to reclaim its place as the natural first choice of aspirants, it must go beyond grades and accreditation scores. Some reforms are urgently needed:. Introduce interdisciplinary and industry-linked programs. Every department must ensure that its curriculum is aligned with global academic trends and local employability needs. Strengthen placement cells, create stronger ties with industries, and offer workshops that bridge the skill gap between academia and job markets.Set up mechanisms to ensure examinations, results, and admissions happen strictly on time. A predictable academic calendar builds trust. Partner with foreign universities to offer student exchange programs, joint research, and dual degrees. This enhances KU’s appeal for globally-minded students.Move away from bureaucratic rigidity toward a culture that values the student’s experience. Feedback systems, mentorship, and flexible learning paths can transform perceptions.KU must invest in research visibility. Publications in high-impact journals, patents, and innovative projects can restore its academic vibrancy and attract talent.
Kashmir University’s A++ grade is undoubtedly a milestone. It reflects the hard work of administrators, faculty, and staff in aligning with NAAC standards. But it also risks becoming a cosmetic achievement if it does not translate into higher student preference and academic vibrancy.
Vacant PG seats are more than just numbers. They are a warning sign that prestige in rankings does not automatically secure trust and attraction among students. KU must introspect: is it focusing too much on external validation while ignoring the lived experiences of its students?
The paradox of Kashmir University lies in the contrast between its accredited excellence and its declining appeal. Once the undisputed first choice of aspirants in the Valley, KU now struggles to fill its PG seats despite wearing the NAAC A++ crown. This is not just KU’s dilemma but a lesson for all higher education institutions: true excellence is measured not by grades on paper but by the trust, preference, and satisfaction of students. If KU can bridge the gap between accreditation and experience—by updating its curriculum, ensuring timely processes, and creating a student-centric ecosystem—it can once again become the vibrant hub of higher education it once was. Until then, it’s A++ grade will remain a paradox, celebrated in reports but questioned in classrooms.
(The author is a teacher and a researcher based in Gowhar Pora Chadoora of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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