Jharkhand Schools to Remain Closed Till January 8 Amid Cold Wave

The Jharkhand government has announced the closure of schools across the state untilJanuary 8, 2026, citing dense fog and severe cold conditions. The decision applies toall government, government-aided, unaided (including minority), and private schools, with closures in effect fromJanuary 6 to January 8.

According to an official notification issued by theSchool Education and Literacy Department, classes for students fromNursery to Class 12will remain suspended during this period. While regular academic activities will not take place,teaching and non-teaching staff are required to report to their institutionsand carry out non-academic responsibilities as directed by school authorities.

Pre-Board Exams: Decision Left to Schools

Schools have been given the flexibility to independently decide on conducting or postponingpre-board examinations, if scheduled. Authorities have advised institutions to take weather conditions into account before making any decisions related to exams.

IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert

TheIndia Meteorological Department (IMD)has warned of a sharp drop in temperatures, with minimum readings expected to fall toas low as minus five degrees Celsiuson January 6 and 7. Cold wave and ‘cold day’ alerts have been issued for districts includingPalamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Koderma, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Hazaribagh.

Additionally, districts such asRanchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar, and Palamuare likely to experience a further2–3 degree Celsius declinein minimum temperatures over the next two days.

Student Safety a Key Concern

Weather experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to extreme cold and dense fog could pose health risks to children, particularly during travel and examinations. Taking these concerns into account, the state government has implemented precautionary measures to safeguard students.

The administration has also appealed to parents toavoid sending children outdoors unnecessarilyand to follow safety precautions during the ongoing cold spell.