School Holidays Exended In These States As Temperatures Dip Sharply

A powerful cold wave across northern, eastern, and northeastern India is disrupting normal school schedules, with several states ordering closures or changing timings. Governments say these temporary school holidays are meant to shield students from harsh cold and dense fog, while still trying to limit learning loss wherever possible.

Most affected regions are reporting temperature drops, poor visibility in early hours, and health concerns for children travelling to school. Administrations are issuing regular advisories, and parents are being told to follow official updates closely as school holidays and winter vacations differ from state to state.

School holidays and winter vacations in Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir

Delhi and Haryana are following planned winter vacations rather than sudden emergency closures. In Delhi, the Directorate of Education has kept the winter break for the 2025–26 academic year from 1 to 15 January 2026, based on a schedule finalised earlier in a November 2025 circular.

Haryana schools, both government and private, are also off from 1 to 15 January 2026, with classroom teaching slated to start again on 16 January 2026. Authorities in both regions are reminding families to observe cold weather safety practices at home and during any necessary travel.

Jammu and Kashmir continues with an already staggered winter zone calendar. Pre-primary sections closed first on 26 November 2025, followed by Classes 1 to 8 from 1 December 2025, while academic activities for Classes 9 to 12 ended on 11 December 2025 due to severe cold and snow conditions.

Under this schedule, schools up to Class 8 will reopen on 1 March 2026, and higher classes are expected back from 22 February 2026. Temperatures in many parts of Kashmir remain several degrees below freezing, so the long winter vacation is considered essential for student safety.

School holidays and winter vacations in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tripura

Several states have moved beyond routine winter vacations and extended school holidays because of the cold wave. In Uttar Pradesh, many districts have shut institutions up to Class 8, with some extending closures until 14 January 2026, especially in areas battling thick fog and biting winds.

Districts in the National Capital Region, including Noida and Ghaziabad, are following these strict measures as morning conditions are particularly harsh. The Lucknow District Magistrate has directed that schools remain closed until 8 January 2026, matching the existing winter break timetable for the district.

Neighbouring Jharkhand has also widened its holiday window after temperatures dropped further. The state government has ordered that all schools, up to Class 12, will stay shut until 8 January 2026. This extends earlier district orders that had only paused physical classes until 6 January 2026.

In the Northeast, Tripura has temporarily closed all government, aided, and private schools from 6 to 10 January 2026. The Indian Meteorological Department reports that temperatures there are 4–6°C below normal, with heavy fog predicted at night and during early morning school commute hours.

School holidays and winter vacations in Assam, Bihar and Rajasthan

Assam has suspended classroom teaching in all schools, both government and private, until 6 January 2026. Officials say thousands of students are affected across districts, where cold wave conditions continue, and local administrations are urging families to rely only on verified notices for information on reopening dates.

Bihar has not shut the entire state’s schools at once but has suspended classes in several districts. Officials are watching early morning temperature patterns and asking schools to obey local orders strictly. Institutions have been told to resume normal routines only after district authorities clear the conditions as safe.

Jaipur has taken a different approach, declaring different holiday lengths for students based on class level. Students up to Class 5 have holidays until 10 January 2026, while Classes 6 to 8 have been granted holidays until 8 January 2026, due to cold mornings in the Rajasthan capital.

The Jaipur district administration has stressed that staff attendance and exams will not stop, even during these student-only school holidays. "The holidays will be applicable only to students on the said dates. All teaching and non-teaching staff will ensure their presence at schools. Examinations will also be conducted as scheduled," said a release issued by the Jaipur district administration.

School holidays, winter vacations and adjusted timings in Madhya Pradesh

While many regions have opted for complete closures, Bhopal authorities in Madhya Pradesh have instead shifted school timings for younger learners. Classes for Nursery to Class 8 will now begin at 9:30 am, a move aimed at keeping students away from the chilliest part of the morning.

Parents in Bhopal are being asked to pay attention to announcements from schools and the district administration. Officials have indicated that further changes to school holidays or timings are possible if the cold wave worsens, so families should stay alert to any revised winter schedules.

School holidays, winter vacations and national safety advisories

Across India, officials say student safety is the main reason behind these varied school holidays and winter vacation changes. Dense fog has reduced visibility on roads, while temperature dips are raising health concerns, especially for younger children and those travelling long distances to reach schools.

Authorities are advising families to keep track of Indian Meteorological Department updates and follow instructions from local education departments and district magistrates. These temporary school holidays and timing shifts are meant to protect children during the current cold wave, while still trying to keep the academic calendar on track as much as possible.