Cold snap forces school closures across Bihar, Punjab, UP till mid-Jan

Schools across northern India are shutting down or adjusting schedules through mid-January due to intense cold waves and dense fog, prioritizing student safety in states like Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

In Bihar's Patna district, government and private schools up to Class 8 will stay closed until Jan 11.

Classes from 9th grade onward can proceed from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, while special sessions or exams for pre-board and board preparations remain exempt, according to a circular from the Patna District Magistrate.

Punjab has pushed back school holidays for all government, aided, recognized, and private institutions until Jan 13.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced on X, "Taking note of the health and safety of children and staff due to increasing cold and fog in the state, holidays are being declared in all government, aided, recognized, and private schools of the state until Jan 13. Now, all schools in the state will reopen on Jan 14 as per regular days." The original reopening was set for Jan 8.

District officials in Uttar Pradesh have closed schools up to Class 8 in multiple areas amid harsh weather. In the National Capital Region districts of Noida and Ghaziabad, all such schools are shut until Jan 10.

The order covers recognized institutions linked to CBSE, ICSE, IB, Uttar Pradesh Board, and others.

Noida District Basic Education Officer Rahul Panwar stated in an official directive, “The order applies to all recognized schools affiliated with the CBSE, ICSE, IB, the Uttar Pradesh Board, and other boards operating in the district. The decision has been taken in compliance with the directions issued by the district magistrate, keeping in mind student safety amid prevailing weather conditions.”

A Ghaziabad order added, “In compliance with the instructions given by the District Magistrate, Ghaziabad, in view of the extreme cold wave in the district, all private schools in Ghaziabad district affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, UP Board, and other boards (from Nursery to Class 8) will remain completely closed for students from January 7, 2026, to January 10, 2026. Therefore, all principals/headmasters of all private schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, UP Board, and other boards are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the above orders.”

Delhi schools are in their routine winter breaks, but officials signal possible extensions if cold and fog persist.

Education authorities urge parents and students to monitor updates from district administrations and schools, as restart dates could shift with weather changes.