A severe cold wave gripping parts of India has prompted authorities in several states to announce pre-emptive closures of schools to safeguard students from the biting chill. The directive, impacting both government and private institutions, suspends regular academic activities. This weather-induced shutdown coincides with the scheduled winter break in many schools across the country.
State-Wise Directives for School Closures
Here is a detailed breakdown of the regions where schools have been ordered shut or have revised schedules due to the harsh winter conditions, effective till around December 31, 2025.
Jharkhand and Bihar Take Precautionary Measures
In Jharkhand, the district administration in Ranchi has mandated a closure for all schools. An official order issued by the District Education Office under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Samhita instructs all government, non-government, and private schools in Ranchi district to suspend classes for students from KG to Class 12 from December 27 to December 31, 2025. Ranchi District Education Officer Vinay Kumar confirmed the move, noting that while most schools were already on winter break, this order applies to the few still conducting classes. State-wide, government and aided schools are officially closed from December 26 to December 31.
The situation is similar in Bihar, where intense cold has disrupted normal life. District administrations have issued varied orders:
- Patna: All government and private schools up to Class 8 are closed until December 30. Classes for 9 and above are restricted to 10 am to 3:30 pm.
- Saharsa: Schools up to Class 10 are shut until December 30.
- Nalanda: Schools up to Class 10 are closed until December 31.
- Bhojpur: A complete closure is in place for all government and private schools and Anganwadi centres for classes up to 8, from December 27 to December 31.
Revised Schedules and Extended Winter Breaks in Other Regions
Other states and union territories have also adjusted their academic calendars in response to the cold weather.
In Una, Himachal Pradesh, the District Disaster Management Authority, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, has revised school timings. From December 29 to January 31, all government and private schools from pre-primary to senior secondary will operate from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Anganwadi centres will function from 10 am to 3:00 pm. The order states that any academic loss will be compensated by adjusting morning assembly and break periods.
Punjab has its winter vacation in progress, which began on December 22 and continues into early January 2026 (around January 10).
Jammu and Kashmir is observing an extended winter break due to extreme cold. As per the schedule, classes 1 to 8 are closed from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Classes 9 to 12 are on break from around December 11, 2025, until February 22, 2026.
In contrast, Kerala has a scheduled winter break in the new year, from January 1 to January 15, 2026, with schools reopening on Friday, January 16.
Safety and Academic Continuity in Focus
The primary driver behind these widespread closures is student safety, as temperatures continue to plummet in northern and eastern India. The district administrations have invoked their authority to ensure children are not exposed to health risks associated with the severe cold wave. While the closures disrupt the academic calendar, authorities like those in Una have made provisions to cover the syllabus by modifying the school day structure. Parents and students are advised to stay updated with local announcements from their district education offices regarding any further extensions or changes to the holiday schedule.
