Delhi schools closed or open? Hybrid classes begin as GRAP Stage 4 enforced amid severe air quality

Delhi schools closed or open

As the capital's air quality index (AQI) plunged into the ‘severe’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), prompting significant changes in school operations across the city.

Contrary to expectations of a complete shutdown, Delhi schools will remain open but transition to a hybrid learning model for specific grades until further notice.

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DDE) issued a circular on December 13 directing all government, government-aided, and unaided recognized private schools under its jurisdiction—including those run by NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board—to adopt hybrid teaching for students up to Class IX and for Class XI.

The circular states: “All Heads of Schools… are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX and XI in a ‘Hybrid Mode’ i.e. both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders.”

Schools are open, but with flexibility. Physical classrooms remain operational, but parents and students of the affected grades now have the voluntary option to attend classes online where schools can facilitate remote learning.

The DDE clarified, “The option to exercise the online mode of education, wherever available, would rest with the students and their guardians.” School heads have been instructed to communicate this arrangement to parents immediately.

Classes for other grades continue normally unless individual schools announce alternative arrangements.

The shift to hybrid schooling follows the CAQM’s enforcement of GRAP’s most severe stage after Delhi’s AQI reached 462 early Sunday morning, as per Central Pollution Control Board data.

Under GRAP Stage 4, all Stage 3 restrictions remain active, with additional emergency measures:

• A complete ban on truck traffic entering Delhi, excluding vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
• Exemptions apply to trucks powered by LNG, CNG, electricity, and BS-VI diesel.
• Increased measures across construction, transport, and industrial sectors to reduce emissions.

The Delhi government will monitor the AQI daily, with school operations and GRAP measures subject to revision based on pollution levels.