School Timings Changed: Schools to remain closed for 55 days during the summer; timings revised in several locations..

School Holidays, School Timings Changed: Across the country, severe heat and heatwaves continue to wreak havoc. Temperatures are soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, posing a serious risk to children's health. Consequently, several state governments have either advanced school holidays or altered school timings. In Chhattisgarh, specifically, this year's summer vacation has been extended to a full 55 days. Let's take a look at the various measures different states are implementing to protect students from the heat.

Chhattisgarh: A 55-Day Vacation from April 20 to June 15
Prioritizing the safety of children, the Chhattisgarh government has advanced the summer vacation for schools by 10 days. Consequently, all government, aided, unaided, and private schools across the state will remain closed from April 20 to June 15. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the health of children remains their utmost priority. Originally, the vacation was scheduled to begin on May 1; however, in light of the escalating heat, the government revised the schedule. Last year as well, the summer holidays commenced on April 25.

School Holidays 2026, Chhattisgarh School Holidays: The Chhattisgarh government has announced a 55-day vacation period.
In 2024, the heat was so intense that the holidays had to be extended until June 25. This year, students will enjoy a total vacation of 55 days—a welcome relief for both children and parents alike.

School Timings Changed in Shahjahanpur, UP
UP School Timings: Meanwhile, school timings have also been revised in several districts across Uttar Pradesh. In Shahjahanpur, taking the prevailing temperatures into account, the District Magistrate has issued an order stating that all schools in the district—catering to students from Class 1 to Class 8—will now operate from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. All schools have been instructed to strictly adhere to this order. In Ghaziabad, UP, the DPSG Meerut Road School has implemented a new schedule, which will come into effect starting next week. Under this new schedule, the arrival and departure timings for students in Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Prep classes have been revised. Classes at this school will now be conducted from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; previously, the timings were from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This schedule change will result in an earlier dismissal time for young children. Furthermore, several teachers' associations in UP have also demanded a change in school timings in light of the severe heatwave. To this end, these associations have written a letter to CM Yogi. The 'Vishisht BTC Shikshak Welfare Association' has specifically demanded a revision of timings for schools under the Basic Education Council. The association has sent letters regarding this matter to both the Chief Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Basic Education.

**School Timings Changed in Madhya Pradesh as Well**

**Heat Wave in Madhya Pradesh:** The impact of the heatwave has begun to be felt in Madhya Pradesh as well. School timings have been revised in several districts across the state. In the Harda district, the District Education Officer has altered school timings in view of the escalating heat. According to an order issued by the District Collector, schools in the district will now operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This order has been implemented with immediate effect. The order issued by the District Education Officer of Harda states that the timings for classes ranging from Nursery to Class 12 have been revised across all government, private, aided, recognized, CBSE, Navodaya, and Kendriya Vidyalaya schools within the district.

**School Holidays 2026, MP School Holidays:** School timings have been changed in Madhya Pradesh as well.
Schools will now operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Changes to school timings have also been implemented in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. In this district, all schools will now operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The District Education Officer, D.D. Rajak has issued an order to this effect. School staff members are required to remain on the premises until 1:30 PM. Similarly, in Dindori, school timings have also been revised due to the intense heat. Schools will now function exclusively from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This order applies to students ranging from Nursery to Class 8.

Uttarakhand: 'Water Bell' at Regular Intervals
The Government of Uttarakhand has directed schools to ring a "Water Bell" at regular intervals during the summer season to ensure that children drink water frequently. Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan has instructed officials to ensure that adequate medicines and medical equipment are kept available in schools to protect children from heat-related ailments.

Madhya Pradesh: Classes from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Considering the prevailing heat, the Collector of Satna district has revised school timings. Now, all government, private, CBSE, ICSE, and Navodaya schools in the district will operate from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Teachers are required to remain at the school premises until 1:30 PM.

Odisha: Classes from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
In Odisha, as temperatures soared past the 40-degree mark, the government promptly issued a directive. Consequently, classes in all government, aided, and private schools across the state will now be held from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. This arrangement will remain in effect until the commencement of the summer vacations. District Collectors have also been empowered to further modify these timings based on local weather conditions.

Kerala: Strict Stance on Special Classes During Summer Vacations
Kerala's Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, has categorically stated that no special classes may be conducted in schools during the summer holidays. According to the Kerala Education Rules, the vacation period extends from the last working day of March through May. Any school found violating this regulation will face strict disciplinary action. The Minister emphasized that summoning children to school during this intense heat would constitute a violation of their fundamental human rights.

Telangana: 'Water Bell' and Cooling Centers
In Telangana, to protect students from the heat, schools have been instructed to ring a 'Water Bell' at regular intervals to ensure that children drink water frequently. Shopping malls, religious sites, and public buildings have been designated as 'Cooling Centers' to offer respite from the heat. Schools have also been advised against conducting classes in open-air settings. Additionally, Anganwadi centers will operate only until 11:00 AM. With summer temperatures rising year after year, children's health is being disproportionately affected. Consequently, several states are taking proactive measures—such as extending vacation periods or altering school timings—to mitigate the risks. Parents are also advised to refrain from taking their children outdoors during the intense afternoon heat, ensure they stay well-hydrated, and dress them in light, breathable clothing. While school holidays offer a respite for children, some states are also providing options such as online classes or home assignments to ensure that their studies do not suffer. This summer season serves as a reminder that the safety of children is paramount.

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