Delhi School Holidays Extended: Schools closed for Nursery to Class 8 till January 15 amid severe cold wave

School Closed in Delhi

• Delhi schools for Nursery to Class 8 closed till Jan 15, 2026 due to cold wave
• Classes 9-12 may have online or adjusted timings to avoid coldest hours
• School closures announced in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh districts

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A severe cold wave and persistent dense fog have prompted the Delhi government to extend winter holidays for school students. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has ordered all government and private schools to keep premises closed for Nursery to Class 8 until January 15, 2026, prioritizing student safety amid harsh weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ongoing ‘cold wave’ alert for Delhi and surrounding regions, with temperatures plummeting and dense fog severely reducing morning visibility. This has raised significant concerns about the safety of children traveling to school.

“The well-being of our students is paramount. Extending the holidays for younger children is a necessary step to protect them from health risks associated with this intense cold,” stated a DoE official in the public notice.

While the government’s order is clear, some parents have raised concerns on social media platforms, including ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), reporting that a few private schools in Delhi might consider resuming classes earlier. Parents are urging the education department to ensure uniform compliance with the holiday directive across all institutions.

Provisions for Senior Classes (9-12)

Recognizing the academic pressures on older students, particularly those preparing for board examinations, the directive offers flexibility for Classes 9 to 12. Schools may opt for online classes or, if reopening physically, must adjust timings to avoid the coldest morning hours. Any in-person attendance remains contingent on ensuring adequate safety measures against the cold.

The cold wave’s impact is widespread. Similar precautionary school holiday extensions have been announced in several districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh (including NCR regions like Noida and Ghaziabad), aligning with Delhi’s proactive measures.

The current directive is set until January 15, 2026. School operations for all grades are expected to normalize starting January 16, provided there is a significant improvement in weather conditions as per IMD forecasts. Parents and students are advised to monitor official DoE channels and school communications for any further updates.