The Punjab government has changed school timings for students across the state. These new timings are now active and will continue until January 21, 2026 . Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains made this important announcement. The main reason for this change is the very cold weather and poor visibility that happens during winter mornings.
Parents had shared their worries about the extreme cold and heavy fog, which made it risky for students to travel to school early in the morning. Many schools start very early, and children had to leave their homes when it was still dark and very cold. This decision aims to protect students from the harsh weather conditions and ensure their safety while commuting.
New School Timings in Punjab
The revised timings are for all types of schools in Punjab. This includes government schools, private schools, aided schools, and all other recognised educational institutions. The new schedule makes sure that classes start later in the day, after the coldest hours of the morning have passed.
| School Level | New Timings |
| Primary Schools (Classes 1 to 5) | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
| Middle, High, and Senior Secondary Schools (Classes 6 to 12) | 10:00 AM to 3:20 PM |
Under the new schedule, primary school students, from Classes 1 to 5, will now attend school from 10:00 AM in the morning until 3:00 PM in the afternoon. For older students, including those in middle (Classes 6-8), high (Classes 9-10), and senior secondary schools (Classes 11-12), classes will run from 10:00 AM to 3:20 PM .
Why the Change was Needed
Punjab experiences very cold and often foggy weather during the winter months. The fog can be so thick that it reduces visibility on roads to very low levels. This makes it dangerous for school buses, vans, and even students walking or cycling to school. The cold temperatures also pose health risks, especially for younger children, who are more sensitive to extreme cold and can fall ill easily. The government’s move comes after receiving requests from parents who were concerned about these daily challenges.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains clearly stated the government’s priority. He said, "Well-being and safety of our students is our highest priority." This step shows the government’s commitment to looking after the health and security of school-going children. By delaying the start of school, students can avoid travelling in the coldest and most foggy parts of the morning, reducing risks of accidents and illness.
What Happens After January 21, 2026?
The revised timings are a temporary measure, set to be in place until January 21, 2026 . As this date approaches, the Punjab government will once again check the weather conditions across the state. Based on how cold and foggy it is then, a new decision will be made. This decision will be communicated to all schools and the public. It will clarify if the new timings will continue, or if schools will return to their regular schedule.
Students and their parents are advised to keep an eye on announcements from their respective schools and official news channels for any further updates. This ensures everyone stays informed and can plan accordingly. The government continues to monitor the situation to ensure the best possible learning environment for all students.
