Extreme cold, thick fog, and severe pollution have caused significant disruptions to schools throughout North India, necessitating online classes, hybrid learning, altered schedules, and closures in the Delhi-NCR region. Please scroll down to view school holidays by state.
As winter firmly establishes itself across North India, the daily routines of schools have been thrown into disarray. For numerous parents and students, mornings now commence with monitoring air quality levels, weather notifications, and school communications rather than hurrying to catch the bus. From the hazardous smog enveloping Delhi-NCR to the dense fog and biting cold affecting Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, state authorities are implementing emergency measures to safeguard the health of children.
On December 22, 2025, extensive disruptions were reported across multiple states, with schools either transitioning to online formats, adjusting their schedules, or closing entirely.
Check School Holidays by State on December 22, Monday.
Delhi-NCR: Severe Air Pollution Necessitates Online and Hybrid Classes
In Delhi and the National Capital Region, air pollution continues to be the primary concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen into the “Severe” category, leading authorities to activate GRAP IV, the most stringent set of anti-pollution regulations.
Under these regulations, schools have been instructed to minimize students’ exposure to outdoor air. Classes for Nursery to Class 5 are being conducted entirely online. Students in Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 are following a hybrid model, attending school on designated days while studying from home on alternate days.
To enhance safety within indoor environments, the Delhi Education Department has initiated the installation of 10,000 air purifiers in government schools, prioritizing the areas with the highest pollution levels. According to officials, this initiative is designed to guarantee that classrooms remain secure even when schools fully reopen.
Uttar Pradesh: Severe Cold and Fog Result in Local School Closures
In Uttar Pradesh, the prevailing issues are severe cold and dense fog, which have significantly impaired visibility and rendered early morning travel hazardous. Instead of implementing a statewide directive, district administrations are making decisions based on localized weather alerts provided by the IMD.
In urban areas such as Bareilly and Kanpur, schools have been closed for students from Nursery to Class 8, while certain districts have extended closures to include up to Class 12. Similar directives have been issued in Rampur, Shahjahanpur, and Gonda.
Officials indicated that the objective is to safeguard children from traveling in conditions of near-zero visibility and temperatures that fall below safe thresholds.
Bihar: Schools Adjust to Warmer Daytime Hours
Bihar has chosen a different strategy. Rather than implementing widespread closures, numerous districts have modified school hours to circumvent the coldest times of the day.
In Patna and Madhubani, schools are now permitted to operate solely between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM, ensuring that students travel during relatively warmer periods. However, certain regions such as Buxar have declared complete closures for Classes 1 to 8 until late December.
Officials from various states concur that these measures are motivated by health considerations. Children are particularly susceptible to severe pollution and abrupt temperature drops, which can lead to respiratory issues, infections, and long-term health complications.
Although school closures can disrupt educational schedules, authorities emphasize that safety must take precedence during such extreme weather conditions.
Delhi Winter Vacation Dates Announced
In the meantime, Delhi schools are scheduled to commence their winter vacation from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant, as holiday durations may be extended based on weather and pollution conditions.
Officials continue to advise families to stay updated with official communications and verify announcements with school administrations as circumstances change.
