Bihar Education Department Unveils 2026 School Holiday Calendar
Overview of the Holiday Calendar
The Bihar Education Department has announced the school holiday schedule for 2026. According to the newly released calendar, students will enjoy a total of 75 days off, which includes 7 Sundays. With 10 Sundays falling within the holiday span, schools will effectively be closed for 65 days.
Key Holidays and Breaks
Extended Breaks for Major Festivals
For the benefit of students, parents, and educators, the summer break will last for 20 days. Additionally, there will be 5 days off for Durga Puja and a combined total of 10 days for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Below is a detailed table of the holiday dates for the year:
| Holiday Name | Date | Number of Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti | January 14, 2026 | 1 day |
| Basant Panchami | January 23, 2026 | 1 day |
| Republic Day | January 26, 2026 | 1 day |
| Sant Ravidas Jayanti | February 1, 2026 | 1 day |
| Shab-e-Barat | February 4, 2026 | 1 day |
| Maha Shivratri | February 15, 2026 | 1 day |
| Holi | March 3 & 4, 2026 | 2 days |
| Last Friday of Ramadan | March 13, 2026 | 1 day |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | March 21, 2026 | 1 day |
| Bihar Day | March 22, 2026 | 1 day |
| Ram Navami | March 27, 2026 | 1 day |
| Mahavir Jayanti | March 31, 2026 | 1 day |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | 1 day |
| Bhim Rao Ambedkar Jayanti | April 14, 2026 | 1 day |
| Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti | April 23, 2026 | 1 day |
| Janaki Navami | April 25, 2026 | 1 day |
| May Day / Buddha Purnima | May 1, 2026 | 1 day |
| Eid-ul-Adha | May 28, 2026 | 1 day |
| Summer Vacation | June 1 to 20, 2026 | 20 days |
| Muharram | June 27, 2026 | 1 day |
| Kabir Jayanti | June 29, 2026 | 1 day |
| Chehlum | August 4, 2026 | 1 day |
| Independence Day | August 15, 2026 | 1 day |
| Last Shravani Monday | August 24, 2026 | 1 day |
| Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) | August 26, 2026 | 1 day |
| Raksha Bandhan | August 28, 2026 | 1 day |
| Shri Krishna Janmashtami | September 4, 2026 | 1 day |
| Haritalika Vrat | September 14, 2026 | 1 day |
| Anant Chaturdashi | September 25, 2026 | 1 day |
| Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | October 2, 2026 | 1 day |
| Jivitputrika Vrat | October 5, 2026 | 1 day |
| Durga Puja (Kalash Sthapana) | October 11, 2026 | 1 day |
| Durga Puja | October 17 to 21, 2026 | 5 days |
| Diwali/Chitragupta Puja/Bhai Dooj/Chhath Puja | November 7 to 17, 2026 | 10 days |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | November 24, 2026 | 1 day |
| Winter Vacation | December 25 to 31, 2026 | 7 days |
Important Notes
The dates for Muslim festivals are subject to change based on moon sightings.
All government, government-aided, project, and upgraded primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools in Bihar will observe the holiday calendar as outlined.
Annual Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti will be celebrated in all schools, requiring attendance from students and teachers during these events. Schools will close after the celebrations.
During extended breaks such as the Summer Vacation, Diwali to Chhath Puja, and Winter Vacation, students will be assigned homework and projects across all subjects. Teachers will be responsible for assessing this work upon the school's reopening.
