A severe cold wave sweeping across large parts of India has forced authorities to shut schools, extend winter vacations, and alter school timings in several states. With temperatures dipping sharply, dense fog reducing visibility, and cold-related health concerns rising—especially for young children—state governments and district administrations have taken precautionary measures to protect students and staff.
From the northern Himalayan regions to parts of central and eastern India, the cold spell has disrupted academic routines, leaving parents, students, and schools adjusting to sudden closures and revised reopening dates. Authorities have emphasised that these decisions are driven by safety considerations and may continue depending on evolving weather conditions.
Jammu and Kashmir: Extended Winter Vacations Amid Freezing Temperatures
In Jammu and Kashmir, harsh winter conditions have led to the implementation of a structured winter vacation schedule. Schools up to Class 8 are set to reopen on March 1, 2026, while senior classes will resume a week earlier on February 22, 2026. With temperatures in parts of the Kashmir Valley plunging well below freezing, officials have prioritised student safety, particularly in regions vulnerable to snowfall and icy conditions.
Punjab: Statewide Closure to Protect Children
Punjab has announced a blanket closure of all schools—government, aided, recognised, and private—until January 13, 2026. The decision comes in response to persistent cold and dense fog across the state. Schools are expected to resume normal functioning from January 14, provided weather conditions improve. Authorities have urged schools to ensure safe transportation and adequate heating arrangements upon reopening.
Delhi and Haryana: Winter Breaks in Effect
In the national capital, winter vacations for schools are underway from January 1 to January 15, 2026, as per the academic calendar. With Delhi experiencing low temperatures and hazardous air quality levels at times, the break offers relief to students, particularly those commuting early in the morning.
Similarly, Haryana has declared winter holidays for all government and private schools from January 1 to January 15, with classes scheduled to resume on January 16. The move aligns with regional weather patterns affecting the National Capital Region (NCR).
Uttar Pradesh: District-Level Closures in NCR and Beyond
Several districts in Uttar Pradesh have ordered school closures due to dense fog and severe cold conditions. In Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad, all schools up to Class 8 will remain closed until January 10. The directive applies across boards, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, and the state board.
Other districts have followed suit. In Varanasi, schools from pre-primary to Class 8 are closed from January 7 to January 9, while Lucknow has declared holidays for schools up to Class 8 until January 8, 2026. Authorities continue to monitor conditions daily, leaving room for further extensions if necessary.
Rajasthan: Partial Closures Based on Class Levels
In Rajasthan, district administrations have opted for staggered closures. In Jaipur, schools up to Class 5 are closed until January 10, while Classes 6 to 8 will remain shut until January 8. In Jalore, students from pre-primary to Class 5 have been given holidays until January 10, reflecting a cautious approach tailored to younger children who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses.
Madhya Pradesh: Adjusted School Timings Instead of Closures
Rather than shutting schools entirely, Bhopal has introduced revised school timings. Classes for students from Nursery to Class 8 will now begin after 9:30 am, reducing early morning exposure to cold temperatures. This approach balances academic continuity with health precautions.
Eastern and Northeastern States Respond
In Jharkhand, schools across the state—from Nursery to Class 12—are closed until January 8, 2026. The closure applies to government, aided, unaided, and private institutions.
Assam’s Bongaigaon district has announced the closure of all educational institutions from January 7 to January 10, covering every level from lower primary to senior secondary. Officials described the move as a comprehensive precautionary step.
In Tripura, all government, aided, and private schools will remain closed from January 6 to January 10 due to extreme cold conditions affecting the region.
Telangana: Holiday Extension Linked to Sankranti
In southern India, Telangana has extended Sankranti holidays until January 16, 2026, following the declaration of an optional holiday on Kanuma. Schools across the state will now reopen on January 17, offering students a longer winter break.
What Parents and Students Should Know
Authorities across states have advised parents and students to regularly check official notifications from district administrations and school authorities. Reopening dates may vary depending on local weather conditions, and further changes cannot be ruled out if cold wave conditions persist.
Health experts have also recommended limiting outdoor exposure during early morning hours, ensuring warm clothing, and maintaining proper nutrition—especially for younger children.
A Precautionary Pause
While school closures disrupt academic schedules, officials have reiterated that these measures are temporary and precautionary. The priority remains safeguarding children’s health during extreme winter conditions. As weather patterns stabilise, schools are expected to resume normal operations with necessary safety arrangements in place.
Also Read: https://thenewstudent.com/delhi-schools-reopen-amid-pollution-concerns/
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