Introduction
Faculty Members

Introduction

The Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS) was established in 1986 as a Research Institute in The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. Since its foundation, the IKS has been working to enhance research and development in the field of Kashmir Studies. In 2008, postgraduate level degree program was started in the IKS which aimed to explore and promote the every dimension of Kashmir.
The IKS has a close-knit community of interdisciplinary scholars that combines expertise in the Languages, Literatures, Histories, Archeology, Cultures, Art and Crafts of Kashmir. The institute prides itself in its ability to meet a variety of research and learning needs. To further enhance and promote the quality of teaching and research, the qualified permanent, faculty members have been inducted recently.
The institute is committed to ensure quality teaching and research in the different areas of Kashmir studies which meet all the educational standards of Higher Education Commission (HEC). The mission of this institute is to produce academically sound scholars to be helpful to resolve the challenges relating to the present issues of the society, and make them useful and responsible citizens of the society. To achieve this mission, the IKS is always devoted to enhance students’ professional skills and career opportunities.
The IKS sponsors a variety of activities including cultural events, workshops, conferences, public lectures and other programs that promote understanding of the cultures and societies of the three regions Gilgit-Baltistan, Indian Occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. Various study tours and visits are regularly arranged to expose the students and faculty to different national and international conferences/seminars on contemporary issues relating to the different fields of society. These extra-curricular events provide an opening of an innovative and creative learning and also develop deep inter-disciplinary understanding among the students.
The institute is one of the most active and only full-fledged academic institutes in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, offering education and research at M.Sc and M.Phil level in Kashmir studies.
ASSESSMENT
The students are assessed through Assignments, presentations, Quizzes and Oral and written Examination.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
The program has bright and applied prospectus as it provide students great opportunities to join Kashmir Liberation Cell, AJ&K Tourism and Forest Department, Kashmir Cultural Academy, NGO’s, Political and Religious Organizations, Hotel Business, Foreign Embassies and Educational Institutes, and further go for higher studies in the field of Civil Services, South Asian Studies, Regional Studies and etc. It is for the first time that Institute is playing a vital role in providing trained and competitive teachers for the Progress of the Institution.
INSTITUTIONAL LINKAGES:
The IKS AJ&K University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Japan. Under this MoU both institutions will develop joint research projects. Through Video-Conferencing System, the IKS students will be able to attend the online lectures. However, after successfully completing this program, IKS students will obtain the Certificates from TUFS, Japan.
CONFERENCES:
International Conference on “Kashmir in Emerging Global Perspective” (May 23-24, 2011) was organized at the UAJK in collaboration with the Department of English. Over 400 delegates including internationally renowned academics, research scholars, journalists and socio- political activities participated in the conference. Around 100 researchers presented their papers in the conference.
SEMINARS:
In the IKS, seminar is designed to enhance the learning capabilities of the students. It encourages reflection upon the value and nature of a university education as well as helping students to develop strategies for life-long learning. IKS conducted various seminars for students while considering their needs of learning and knowledge. Well reputed personalities visited the institute and shared their learning and thoughts by delivering lectures on various topics related to Kashmir. These seminars proved beneficial of enhancement of the personal and analytical abilities of the students.