In a latest development, the Ministry of Education (MoE) Government of India is mulling to introduce Sanskrit as a mandatory subject in schools across Kashmir from class 6th to 10th.
Also, MoE is mulling to introduce Sanskrit as an optional subject for students from class 3rd primary to 5th.In this regard, the J&K School Education Department (SED) has started an exhaustive exercise to seek details of Sanskrit teachers, existing vacancy of Sanskrit teachers in the schools. The SED has set a deadline of July 30 to complete the exercise and submit its feedback to the MoE, New Delhi.
As per the official document, SED has sent an official communication vide number Edu/327/2023-01(7/724278) on May 26 of 2025 to SCERT with the instructions to collect details to ensure effective planning and execution of the initiative.
Following this, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Kashmir has sent an official communication to all District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIETs) for submission of data and information for implementation of Sanskrit education in schools.
“In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP)- 2020, SCERT Kashmir is initiating the implementation of Sanskrit as a mandatory subject for classes 6th to 10th and an optional subject for classes 3rd to 5th across schools in Kashmir division. To ensure effective planning and execution, SCERT requires comprehensive data and information from all DIETs,” reads an official communication signed by joint director SCERT Kashmir.
“You are requested to provide the details by July 30, 2025,” it reads.
The department has sought details about the availability of teachers including number of teachers currently qualified to teach Sanskrit (with Shastri degree or equivalent) and number of General Line teachers or masters willing to undergo Sanskrit training. “Provide details of any existing vacancies for Sanskrit teachers in secondary or higher secondary schools,” it reads. The department is seeking details about the availability of classrooms or dedicated spaces for Sanskrit education and access to NCERT Sanskrit textbooks (Sanchita and Manika) or other relevant resources in schools.
The DIETs have been asked to provide details about curriculum implementation including status of Sanskrit as a subject in schools- mandatory, optional or not offered under the jurisdiction of DIETs. “Submit the details about challenges faced in introducing or sustaining Sanskrit education,” it reads.
The DIETs have been asked to submit details about the additional requirements including estimated number of additional teachers needed for Sanskrit instruction.”Provide details about training or resource needs to support Sanskrit education. Also provide feedback from schools on integrating Sanskrit as a mandatory optional subject,” the official communication reads. The DIETs have been asked to submit the details by July 20 of 2025.”
“Provide accurate and consolidated data for all schools under your jurisdiction. Verify all information before submission,” the official communication reads. An academic officer at SCERT said the MoE and NCERT are mulling to introduce Sanskrit in schools from class 6th to 10th for which the department has started the exercise through SCERT. “We are collecting details and feedback from DIETs. The report will be submitted to the administrative department,” the academic officer said. GK
