Extended Winter Break for Schools in Punjab and Jharkhand Amid Severe Cold
Winter Vacation Extension Announced
Winter Break Extended for 2026: As harsh winter conditions grip several northern states, the governments of Punjab and Jharkhand have decided to prolong school holidays. The icy winds and dense fog have severely affected daily life. Following the directives from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, all educational institutions, both government and private, will remain closed until January 13, 2026, instead of reopening on January 8.
Impact of Cold Wave in Jharkhand
The cold wave is also significantly affecting Jharkhand. The state's School Education and Literacy Department has declared that all government, private, and aided schools will stay closed until January 8, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of worsening cold and dense fog in the upcoming days, which poses health risks for children. This measure aims to safeguard young students from illnesses like pneumonia and other cold-related health issues.
Current Status of Winter Vacations
Winter Holidays in Progress:
Winter vacations, which commenced in December 2025, are continuing into January 2026. Various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have been observing these holidays for several weeks.
Punjab's Repeated Holiday Extensions
Third Extension in Punjab:
The cold wave's severity has compelled the Punjab government to extend school holidays for the third time. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced on social media that all schools from pre-nursery to class 12 will remain closed until January 13. Additionally, there may be a holiday on January 14 for Makar Sankranti/Maghi, suggesting that regular classes might not resume until after that date.
Jharkhand's School Closure Order
Closure Applies to All Schools:
In Jharkhand, the cold wave has disrupted daily activities, with morning temperatures in cities like Ranchi and Jamshedpur dropping below 5 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the government has mandated that academic activities for classes up to 12th grade will be suspended until January 8 across all schools (CBSE, ICSE, and State Board). However, teachers and non-teaching staff are required to report for administrative duties.
IMD's Cold Wave Warning
Severe Cold Wave Alert:
The IMD has forecasted that ‘severe cold wave’ conditions will persist in Northwest India for the next 4 to 5 days. Dense fog may reduce visibility to less than 50 meters, making it hazardous for children to travel to school in the morning. ‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’ alerts have been issued for Bathinda and Amritsar in Punjab, as well as parts of Jharkhand.
Guidelines for Parents and Students
Online Classes and Examinations:
Many private schools are conducting online classes for older students (grades 9 to 12) to mitigate academic losses. Schools with scheduled board or pre-board examinations may proceed at the discretion of the administration. Students are encouraged to maintain communication with their respective schools.
Precautionary Measures:
The administration advises parents to ensure their children wear warm clothing to protect against the cold and to limit outdoor activities in the morning. In states like Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, district magistrates are also issuing directives to close schools or adjust timings based on local weather conditions.