(New Delhi/Lucknow): As North India reels under a severe “Cold Day” condition with zero visibility in many areas, state governments have taken urgent action this Sunday evening.
If you are a parent wondering, “Is school open tomorrow?”, the answer for most of North India is NO. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar have officially extended winter vacations to protect children from the freezing temperatures.
Here is the state-wise breakdown of the latest orders issued today (January 4, 2026).
1. Uttar Pradesh: Closed Till Jan 5 (Review on Monday)
Following the instructions of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Basic Education Department has ordered the closure of schools in multiple districts.
- The Order: All schools (Government, Aided, and Private boards like CBSE/ICSE) from Nursery to Class 12 will remain closed until January 5, 2026.
- Districts Affected: Lucknow, Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar), Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
- Next Update: A decision on extending this further to Jan 8 will be taken on Monday evening based on the weather.
2. Punjab: Holidays Extended Till Jan 7
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed the extension via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
- The Order: All schools in the state will remain closed until Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
- Reason: Dense fog and single-digit temperatures (Amritsar recorded 2°C).
- Reopening: Classes are expected to resume on Jan 8, but timings may change to 10:00 AM.
3. Bihar (Patna): Closed Till Jan 8
In Bihar, the cold wave is severe in Patna and Gaya.
- The Order: The District Magistrate (DM) of Patna, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, has ordered that all government and private schools (up to Class 8) will remain suspended until January 8, 2026.
- For Higher Classes (9-12): Classes are permitted but only between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
4. Delhi & Haryana: Closed Till Jan 15
A reminder for parents in the National Capital Region:
- Status: As per the previously announced winter vacation calendar, schools in Delhi and Haryana remain closed until January 15, 2026. No new order was needed today.
IMD Weather Alert: Why the Panic?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “Orange Alert” for North India for the next 48 hours.
- Forecast: Dense fog will reduce visibility to below 50 meters in the mornings.
- Chill Factor: Cold winds from the Himalayas will keep maximum temperatures below 14°C in UP and Delhi.
FAQs for Parents
A: In most districts of UP and Bihar, the holiday is only for students. Teachers are generally required to report for administrative work or online class preparation. Please check with your specific school.
A: Many private schools in Noida and Gurugram have shifted to Online Mode for Classes 9 to 12. Check your school’s WhatsApp group for links.
A: In Punjab and UP, the closure applies to all classes. However, schools may conduct “Special Extra Classes” for board students between 11 AM and 2 PM.
Disclaimer: Orders regarding school closures are issued by local District Magistrates (DMs) and can vary by district. While we track state-level announcements, parents are advised to check official notifications from their respective schools for the final confirmation.
