Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Disha Sharma
Winter Chill Forces 19-Day Closure of Schools
The cold wave sweeping across North India continues to intensify, bringing sharp drops in temperature during early mornings and late evenings. The harsh weather is posing health concerns, especially for young children and students. Taking this into account, the Haryana Education Department has decided to extend the winter vacation to safeguard students from the severe cold.
School Holiday Details Released
According to the notification issued by the Education Directorate, schools across the state will remain shut from January 1 to January 16, 2026. Academic activities will restart on January 17 after the winter break concludes. The directive is applicable to all districts. School authorities have been asked to inform parents at the earliest so they can make necessary arrangements for travel, coaching classes, and study plans.
Rules and Guidelines for Class 10 & 12 Students
Students in grades 10 and 12 may be called to school for practical exams if necessary, following the schedules set by CBSE and ICSE boards. Students are advised to keep an eye on messages, emails, or notices sent by their schools. Experts indicate that this arrangement aims to prevent disruptions in education, although attendance will strictly adhere to board guidelines.
Extra Holidays Announced in December
Ahead of the winter vacation, schools will observe a series of holidays, including December 25 for Christmas, December 26 to mark Shaheed Udham Singh Jayanti, December 27 for Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, and December 28, which falls on a Sunday. The winter break will begin after these closures. During the long holiday period, families are making arrangements to keep children warm, well-nourished, and engaged in studies at home, ensuring a safe and productive break.
Similar Steps Taken in Delhi
The Directorate of Education in Delhi has announced that winter vacations are set to begin on January 1, 2026, and are expected to continue until January 15. The school closure decisions taken by both Haryana and Delhi highlight an increased focus on student safety during the harsh winter months. Parent groups have welcomed the move, stating that safeguarding children’s health is essential, and have described the decision as a timely and responsible step.
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Schools Turn to Remote Learning
With schools remaining closed, the reliance on online classes, digital assignments, and virtual learning tools is likely to grow. Several private schools have begun designing online study schedules for the holiday period. Teachers are also planning light, revision-focused tasks to help students ease back into regular academics after the winter vacation, ensuring steady exam preparation.