India Grapples with Widespread School Closures Amid Severe Cold Wave

A persistent and intense cold wave is sweeping across much of India,causing significant disruptions to academic schedules. State governments and local administrations are implementing precautionary measures, including school closures, extended winter vacations, and modified class timings, to protect students from the harsh weather conditions. Fog and plummeting temperatures have necessitated these actions, and authorities are urging parents to stay informed about local advisories.

State-by-State Breakdown of School Closures (January 8, 2026)

delhi

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced the extension of winter vacations for all schools in Delhi until January 15, 2026, due to the ongoing cold weather [Source: India Today].

Haryana

all government and private schools in Haryana will observe winter holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2025, with academic activities resuming on January 16, 2025. [Source: India Today].

Uttar Pradesh

Gautam Buddh Nagar: Schools up to Class 8 are closed until January 10, 2026, due to severe cold and dense fog, affecting all affiliated schools including CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Uttar Pradesh Board. [Source: India Today]

Ghaziabad: Similar to Gautam Buddh Nagar, all schools up to class 8 in Ghaziabad are closed until January 10, 2026, due to the cold wave [Source: India Today].

Jammu and Kashmir

In the winter zone of Jammu & Kashmir, schools up to Class 8 will reopen on March 1, 2026, while higher classes will resume on February 22, 2026, amidst sub-zero temperatures. [Source: India Today].

Punjab

Following directives from Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann, all schools in Punjab – government, aided, recognized, and private – will remain closed until January 13, 2026, resuming classes on January 14, 2026. [Source: India Today]

Varanasi

Schools up to Class 8 in Varanasi will remain closed from January 7 to January 9, 2026, due to persistent fog and cold conditions. [Source: India Today].

Lucknow

All schools up to Class 8 in Lucknow will remain closed until January 8, 2026, including government-aided, private institutions, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika vidyalayas (KGBVs). [Source: India Today].

Rajasthan

Jaipur: Schools up to Class 5 will remain closed until January 10, 2026, while Classes 6 to 8 will resume on January 9, 2026. [Source: India Today]

Jalore: Holidays are declared for students from pre-primary to Class 5 in all government and recognized private schools until January 10, 2026. [Source: India Today].

Telangana

School holidays in Telangana have been extended until January 16,2026,with schools reopening on January 17,2026. [Source: India Today].

Tripura

All government, aided, and private schools in Tripura are closed from January 6 to January 10, 2026, due to extreme cold conditions. [Source: India Today].

Jharkhand

All schools in jharkhand, including government, aided, unaided, and private institutions, are closed until January 8, 2026, affecting students from Nursery through Class 12. [Source: India Today].

Staying Informed

Education departments advise parents and students to monitor official notifications from district administrations and school authorities, as reopening dates are subject to change based on evolving weather conditions. The safety of students remains the top priority for authorities.

Published: January 8, 2026