Telangana Orders Half-Day Schools Across State From March 15 Till April 23; Separate Timings For SSC Centres

The Telangana School Education Department has announced that all schools across the state will move to a half-day schedule from March 15 to April 23, 2026, which marks the last working day of the academic year 2025-26. The move applies to schools operating under government, aided and private managements, with separate instructions also issued for institutions serving as SSC examination centres.

Half-day schools to be implemented across Telangana

The revised schedule was ordered by Director of School Education E. Naveen Nicolas, who issued the directions through proceedings Rc.No.54/Genl/Half day Schools/2026 dated March 12, 2026.

Under the latest instructions, all primary, upper primary and high schools in Telangana will function on a reduced timetable during the specified period. The department has made it clear that the arrangement will remain in force until April 23, 2026, the final working day of the current academic session.

School timings fixed from 8 am to 12.30 pm

As per the order, schools under government, government-aided and private managements will operate from 08.00 IST to 12.30 IST during the half-day period.

The department has also clarified that the mid-day meal will continue to be provided to students. It will be served at 12.30 IST, immediately after the shortened school hours conclude.

This means students will continue to receive their meals even as academic timings are adjusted under the temporary half-day arrangement.

Special classes for Class 10 students to continue

The order further states that special classes for Class X students will continue despite the revised timings.

These sessions are being held to support students preparing for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Public Examination, March 2026. The continuation of these classes indicates that academic preparation for the board examinations will remain a priority even during the half-day school period.

SSC exam centres to function in afternoon on test days

The department has issued separate operational timings for schools that have been designated as SSC examination centres.

According to the instructions, such schools will function from 13.00 IST to 17.00 IST only on SSC examination days. However, on days when no examination is scheduled, these schools will continue to follow the regular half-day timetable of 08.00 IST to 12.30 IST.

This arrangement is aimed at ensuring that examination-related activities are conducted smoothly without affecting the broader half-day school schedule.

Officials asked to ensure strict compliance

To make sure the new timetable is implemented uniformly, the Director has directed Regional Joint Directors of School Education and District Educational Officers to circulate the order to all institutions and oversee its strict enforcement.

The instructions have been made applicable to schools functioning under all managements across Telangana, ensuring that the half-day schedule is followed statewide without exception.