Noida Schools to Conduct Classes Up to Class 5 in Hybrid Mode from November 12 Amid Air Pollution

Schools in Noida and Greater Noida will conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode from Thursday, November 12, 2026, amid deteriorating air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR).The directive applies to all government, government-aided and recognised schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar district. Under the arrangement, students can attend classes physically or opt for online learning wherever schools have the necessary facilities.

The decision follows the implementation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) across Delhi-NCR.

Noida schools to offer online and offline classes

According to the district education department's instructions, school principals and managements have been asked to ensure that the hybrid learning arrangement is implemented without delay.The facility allows parents and guardians to choose the mode of education for children up to Class 5, depending on their convenience and the availability of online classes.

The directive covers government institutions, government-aided schools and recognised private schools across Gautam Buddh Nagar, which includes Noida and Greater Noida.The education department has also warned that schools failing to comply with the instructions may face appropriate action under the applicable rules.

GRAP Stage III triggers hybrid learning arrangements

The move has been introduced in accordance with the CAQM's directions issued on November 6, 2026, when the commission invoked Stage III of GRAP in Delhi-NCR.Under the relevant GRAP provisions, schools in Delhi and five NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar, are required to offer hybrid classes to students up to Class 5.

The arrangement is intended to reduce children's exposure to outdoor air pollution while ensuring that their education continues without interruption.The CAQM has also allowed other NCR state governments to consider implementing similar arrangements for primary school students in their respective areas.

Noida, Greater Noida record poor air quality

Air pollution levels remained a concern in Noida and Greater Noida, according to official air quality data.Noida recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 291, while Greater Noida registered 257 during the period from 4 pm on Tuesday to 4 pm on Wednesday. Both readings fell in the poor air quality category.

However, some monitoring locations in Noida, including Sectors 1 and 62, recorded AQI levels above 300 during the same period, entering the very poor category.The deteriorating air quality has prompted authorities across Delhi-NCR to strengthen pollution-control measures, with special attention to children and other vulnerable groups.

Will Noida schools remain closed?

No. The latest directive does not announce a complete closure of schools in Noida and Greater Noida. Physical classes can continue, while students and parents have the option of choosing online lessons wherever the facility is available.

The hybrid arrangement applies to students up to Class 5 and is part of the pollution-control measures introduced under GRAP Stage III.Parents are advised to check with their respective schools regarding online class schedules, attendance arrangements and other instructions.