Around 20% of the total 2,859 sanctioned posts at the University of Kashmir were lying vacant as of February 29, 2024, according to information provided in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar Sharma.
The data reveals a widespread staffing crisis across the university, with a majority of the vacancies at the teaching faculty level. Over 200 critical positions—professors, associate professors, and assistant professors—remain unfilled, in addition to 110 junior assistant posts.
In its RTI reply, Ghulam Mohammed Wani, Central Public Information Officer and Assistant Registrar at the University, confirmed that 570 out of 2,859 sanctioned positions were vacant.
Faculty Vacancies at a Glance
- Professors: 56 sanctioned, 47 vacant
- Associate Professors: 120 sanctioned, 91 vacant
- Assistant Professors: 371 sanctioned, 80 vacant (291 filled)
- Directors: 7 sanctioned, 5 vacant
Administrative & Support Staff Gaps
In addition to academic positions, the university also faces severe shortages in administrative and support roles:
- Junior Assistants: 110 posts vacant out of 180 sanctioned
- Dean of Students’ Welfare, Academic Coordinator, Research Fellow, and other key roles are unfilled
- Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance lacks one deputy director and three assistant directors
- Physical Education Department: Missing two deputy directors and three assistant directors
- Library & Career Services: Nine assistant librarian posts and two placement officers are vacant
Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA)
The Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) is currently operating without a principal, and only three of the seven senior instructor posts are occupied.
Other Vacancies Include:
- 3 Joint Registrars
- 2 Deputy Registrars-cum-Deputy Controller Examinations
- 7 Assistant Registrars-cum-Assistant Controller Examinations
- 2 Assistant Programmers
- 1 Auditor
- 3 Coaches (Physical Education & Sports)
- 2 Computer Operators, 3 Hindi Typists, 5 Junior Engineers
The staffing shortfall paints a concerning picture for the functioning and academic quality of the university. As one of the leading higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, these gaps could significantly impact research output, student services, and overall institutional performance.
