As harsh winter conditions tighten their grip, state governments and education departments are prioritising student safety by suspending in-person classes. Dense fog, poor visibility, biting cold and fluctuating air quality have disrupted daily routines, especially morning school hours.

Authorities have advised parents and students to stay alert for further updates, as reopening dates may change depending on weather forecasts.

State-wise school closure updates

Delhi

• All schools closed until January 15, 2026

• Winter vacation extended due to cold wave, fog and air quality concerns

Uttar Pradesh

• Gautam Buddh Nagar & Ghaziabad: Schools up to Class 8 closed till January 10

• Lucknow: Schools up to Class 8 closed till January 8

• Varanasi: Classes up to Class 8 suspended January 7–9

Bihar (Patna)

• Schools up to Class 8 closed till January 11

• Classes 9 and above to function from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm starting January 9

Haryana

• Winter holidays declared for all schools January 1–15

• Schools to reopen on January 16

Punjab

• All schools closed till January 13

• Classes resume on January 14

Jammu and Kashmir

• Schools up to Class 8 reopen on March 1

• Higher classes resume on February 22

• Extended closures due to sub-zero temperatures

Rajasthan

• Jaipur: Schools up to Class 5 closed till January 10; Classes 6–8 reopen January 9

• Jalore: Schools up to Class 5 closed till January 10

Other states

• Telangana: Sankranti holidays extended till January 16, schools reopen January 17

• Tripura: Schools closed January 6–10

• Jharkhand: Statewide school holidays declared till January 8

What authorities are saying

Education departments across states have reiterated that health and safety take precedence over academic schedules. With cold wave conditions expected to persist in several regions, further extensions or timing revisions remain possible.

Parents are advised to:

• Monitor official school and district notices

• Avoid sending children out in dense fog or extreme cold

• Ensure adequate winter clothing and protection once schools reopen

As winter intensifies, flexibility in school operations is likely to continue in the days ahead.