Schools Closed Across North India Due to Rising Air Pollution and Severe Winter

Severe cold, dense fog, and rising air pollution have forced authorities to close schools in several parts of North India. In Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram, schools up to 5th grade have been shut to protect children’s health. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, winter vacations have been adjusted in response to freezing temperatures and heavy fog.

Delhi-NCR Schools:

Delhi’s air pollution has reached hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in many areas. As a precaution, schools up to 5th grade have been closed and shifted to online learning, while classes from 6th to 9th and 11th are operating in hybrid mode, allowing schools to choose between physical or online classes based on air quality.

Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad have followed similar measures, keeping grades 1–5 closed, while higher grades continue in hybrid mode. Government offices are also operating at 50% work-from-home under GRAP-IV restrictions to reduce outdoor exposure.

Uttar Pradesh Winter Vacation:

In Bareilly district, schools up to 8th grade are closed until 20 December 2025 due to extreme cold and fog. Maharajganj schools have revised timings to 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM to accommodate students safely. The official winter vacation across UP is scheduled from 20 December to 31 December 2025, covering the last 10–12 days of the year.

Haryana Schools:

In Gurugram and Faridabad, classes up to 5th grade remain closed due to pollution. Additionally, schools across Haryana will remain shut on 25, 26, and 27 December for public holidays. The state’s winter vacation is expected from 1 January to 15 January 2026.

Bihar Schools:

Schools are currently open, but Patna district has revised timings due to cold waves. New timings are 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with morning assemblies and mid-day breaks adjusted. Other districts may follow similar changes depending on weather conditions.

Punjab Schools:

Winter vacation in Punjab is declared from 24 December to 31 December 2025 for all government, private, aided, and recognized schools due to cold conditions.

Tamil Nadu:

Schools will be closed for 12 days from 24 December, following the completion of half-yearly exams—longer than the usual 9-day winter break.

Madhya Pradesh:

Winter vacation in MP is expected from 23 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 for government and private schools, lasting approximately 10 days.

Chhattisgarh:

Winter vacation will likely run from 22 December to 27 December 2025, though exact dates may vary by local school boards.

Rajasthan:

Winter vacation has been announced from 25 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, totaling 12 days.

Jammu & Kashmir:

Due to record cold, schools are shut for an extended period. Pre-primary to 8th-grade schools remain closed from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, while 9th to 12th-grade schools are closed from 11 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Authorities across the country are urging parents and students to follow safety guidelines and take precautions during periods of severe cold and hazardous air quality.

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