The report highlights an explained but substantial decline in college admissions in Kashmir, with a 40.63 per cent drop, attributed to factors like the National Admission Test (CUET), inconvenient examination centres, and dissatisfaction with subject allocations. The reason could be students increasingly turning to online courses, distance learning, and content creation, signalling a shift away from traditional education. Economic downturn, unemployment, and a lack of job opportunities contribute to the reluctance to pursue higher education. Universities face a crisis with numerous vacant postgraduate seats, prompting extended admission processes to attract students. The long-term impact on the education landscape remains uncertain.