Schools in Delhi NCR shift to online and hybrid classes as air quality worsens

Schools across parts of Delhi NCR have altered classroom operations as air pollution levels deteriorated, with authorities opting for online and hybrid teaching formats to reduce students’ exposure to hazardous air.

In Noida, school administrators have moved to a hybrid model, allowing limited in-person classes while continuing online instruction where possible.

According to a circular issued by the local school authority, students from pre-nursery to Class 5 will attend classes entirely online until further notice. Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will function under a hybrid system.

Similar measures have been announced in Ghaziabad. The District Inspector of Schools said that classes from pre-nursery and nursery through Class 5 will be conducted online, while Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will follow a hybrid schedule.

The official order cited concerns over the adverse health effects of pollution on students and said the arrangements will remain in force from Dec 14 until further notice.

All school heads and coaching center operators have been directed to strictly comply with the instructions.

In the national capital, the Directorate of School Education has ordered a shift to hybrid learning for classes up to Class 10 and Class 11 starting Dec 15, following the enforcement of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan due to severe air pollution.

The directive came after the Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage IV of GRAP on Dec 13, when Delhi’s Air Quality Index crossed the Severe+ threshold.

An official order stated that the decision aligns with CAQM directions and allows schools to conduct both physical and online classes wherever digital learning is feasible.

Stage IV of GRAP typically brings emergency measures, including a halt on most construction and demolition work, restrictions on the entry of non-essential diesel trucks into Delhi, curbs on certain vehicle categories, and advisories encouraging offices to reduce physical attendance through work-from-home or staggered schedules.

Outdoor activities are discouraged, particularly for children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory illnesses.

Beyond schools, the Delhi government has also instructed government and private offices to scale down on-site attendance.

While administrative secretaries and department heads are required to report to offices regularly, overall physical attendance must not exceed 50%.

Remaining staff are to work from home, though senior officials may call employees in when necessary to ensure essential and emergency services continue.

Private offices have likewise been asked to cap in-person attendance at half of their workforce, with the rest operating remotely.