Delhi Schools Shift to Hybrid Classes Under GRAP Stage 3; Classes Up to 5 Affected in NCR

Schools in Delhi will conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class 5 following the enforcement of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid worsening air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision on November 6, 2026. The arrangement allows students to attend classes either physically or online, depending on the facilities available at their respective schools.

The hybrid-class directive is not limited to Delhi. It also covers schools in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat.According to the minister's announcement, the arrangement will remain in place for as long as GRAP Stage 3 restrictions continue to be enforced.

Which Schools Will Follow the Hybrid Learning Arrangement?

The Delhi Education Department has also listed a specific circular on its official website titled Regarding Conducting Classes in Hybrid Mode for Students up to Class V. The circular was uploaded on November 6, 2026.

The directive covers the following categories of schools in Delhi:

• Government schools
• Government-aided schools
• Recognised private schools
• Schools administered by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
• New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) schools
• Delhi Cantonment Board schools

The hybrid system means that students can attend lessons in classrooms or through online platforms wherever the school has the necessary facilities. The arrangement is intended to reduce children's exposure to polluted outdoor air.

Why Has GRAP Stage 3 Been Implemented in Delhi-NCR?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements the Graded Response Action Plan to control pollution levels across Delhi and the adjoining NCR region.GRAP Stage 3 is associated with the 'Severe' air quality category, corresponding to an Air Quality Index (AQI) between 401 and 450.

Under this stage, authorities introduce additional restrictions to limit pollution and protect public health. These measures include curbs on construction and demolition activities, restrictions on certain older vehicles and other pollution-generating activities.The decision to move primary school students to hybrid learning is an additional precaution aimed at minimising their exposure to poor air quality.

Will Hybrid Classes Continue in Delhi-NCR?

The hybrid learning arrangement will continue while the applicable GRAP Stage 3 restrictions remain in force, according to the minister's announcement.Parents should check announcements issued by their respective schools for online class links, attendance arrangements, daily schedules and instructions regarding physical attendance.

Students and parents in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat should follow updates from their respective school administrations and local authorities.Importantly, the announcement concerns hybrid classes for students up to Class 5. It should not be interpreted as an order for a complete closure of all schools in Delhi-NCR.