Tech & Telecom

Punjab Announces Winter Vacation Schedule for 2025–2026

Shayyan Ahmad November 17, 2025

Punjab Announces Winter Vacation Schedule 2025–2026 | Updated School Timings in Punjab

The Punjab government has released the official winter vacation schedule for all public and private educational institutions across the province. According to the notification issued by the provincial Education Department, schools will observe winter holidays from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Classes will resume on January 13, 2026, marking the beginning of the new academic term.

To ensure a uniform academic break, the government has made it mandatory for both private and government institutions to follow the same schedule. The decision comes as temperatures are expected to drop significantly toward the end of December, and authorities aim to provide relief to students during the peak winter season.

This announcement follows the department’s recent changes to school timings in response to severe smog across Punjab. As pollution levels increased, the education authorities introduced revised school hours to safeguard students’ health.

As per the updated schedule, no school is allowed to open before 8:45 AM in the province. Any institution violating this directive may face penalties ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1 million. These revised timings are effective from October 27, 2025, until April 15, 2026.

Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed the new timetable, stating that it applies to both public and private schools. He emphasized that the rules must be followed strictly by teachers, students, and parents.

Under the revised hours:

Single-shift schools
• Classes: 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
• Friday closing time: 12:30 PM

Double-shift schools
• First shift: 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
• Second shift: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Teachers must remain on duty from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

With the winter break schedule now confirmed, educational institutions across Punjab can prepare for the upcoming holidays and adjusted school hours, ensuring students stay safe and comfortable during the colder months.