NEW DELHI,9 Jan 2026: A biting cold wave sweeping across large parts of India has significantly disrupted academic schedules, compelling state governments and district administrations to shut schools, extend winter vacations, and modify class timings to safeguard students.
With temperatures plunging and dense fog affecting visibility, authorities across multiple regions have taken precautionary measures, urging parents to stay alert for local advisories.
Here is a state-wise update on school closures and schedule changes announced due to the extreme winter conditions:
In Delhi, The Directorate of Education (DoE) has officially declared that all schools will remain closed until January 15, 2026, extending the winter vacation in view of the ongoing cold conditions. A score of private schools are violating this order.
Haryana too has ordered all government and private schools to observe winter holiday from January 1 to 15.
In Uttar Pradesh, all schools are closed up to Class 8 until January 10. In the winter zone of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, and across the Jammu region, the government has announced an extended winter vacation schedule. Schools up to Class 8 will reopen on March 1, 2026, while higher classes will resume on February 22, 2026, amid sub-zero temperatures.
Following directions from Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann, all government, aided, recognised, and private schools in Punjab will remain closed until January 13, 2026. Classes will resume from January 14, keeping student safety in mind as cold and fog intensify statewide.
In Jaipur, schools up to Class 5 will remain closed until January 10, while Classes 6 to 8 will resume on January 9. In Jalore, holidays have been declared for students from pre-primary to Class 5 in all government and recognised private schools until January 10, 2026.
In Telangana, the School Education Department has extended Sankranti holidays statewide until January 16, 2026, following the declaration of Kanuma as an optional holiday. Schools will now reopen on January 17
Education departments across states have advised parents and students to regularly monitor official notifications from district administrations and school authorities, as reopening dates may change depending on evolving weather conditions.
Officials have stressed that the temporary closures and schedule adjustments are precautionary steps aimed at protecting children from cold-related illnesses and ensuring their overall safety.
As winter tightens its grip over much of India, the widespread school closures underscore the growing impact of extreme weather on daily life and public infrastructure.
While these measures may disrupt academic routines, authorities maintain that safeguarding students remains the top priority.
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