New Delhi: February is usually synonymous with exam stress, and this year, the calendar adds to the pressure. Unlike previous years, February 2026 does not bring many “relief packages” for students. A look at the official calendar reveals that major festivals have aligned with Sundays, effectively canceling out potential extra holidays.
The “Weekend Loss” Alert
The biggest disappointment for students in February 2026 is the timing of two major festivals: Guru Ravidas Jayanti and Maha Shivratri. Both fall on Sundays, meaning schools will not offer compensatory leaves on the following Mondays.
- Feb 1 (Sunday): Guru Ravidas Jayanti (Weekly Off).
- Feb 14 (Saturday): Second Saturday (Holiday for many schools/Banks).
- Feb 15 (Sunday): Maha Shivratri (Gazetted Holiday falls on Weekly Off).
- Feb 16 (Monday): School Reopens (Working Day).
Impact: There is NO long weekend for Maha Shivratri this year. Students in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana will attend school on Monday, Feb 16.
Complete School Holiday List: February 2026
Here are the specific dates when schools will remain closed in various states.
| Date | Day | Occasion | Affected States |
| Feb 1 | Sunday | Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Punjab, Haryana, HP (Falls on Sunday) |
| Feb 12 | Thursday | Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Haryana, Rajasthan (Restricted) |
| Feb 14 | Saturday | Second Saturday | Pan-India (As per school policy) |
| Feb 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivratri | All India (Falls on Sunday) |
| Feb 19 | Thursday | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Maharashtra |
State-Wise Breakdown
1. Maharashtra
Students in Maharashtra are the only ones getting a significant mid-week treat. Schools will remain closed on February 19 (Thursday) for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.
2. Punjab & Haryana
The month starts with a disappointment. Guru Ravidas Jayanti (Feb 1) falls on a Sunday, so there is no extra day off. However, some schools in Haryana and Rajasthan may observe a restricted holiday on Feb 12 (Thursday) for Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti.
3. Uttar Pradesh & Delhi
The primary focus is strictly on academics. With Maha Shivratri (Feb 15) falling on a Sunday, students have no major official holidays in February other than the Second Saturday.
Why This Matters To You
- Exam Prep: With Board Exams (CBSE/ICSE) starting mid-February, students should view the lack of holidays as an opportunity to maintain study momentum.
- Bank Work: Banks are closed on Feb 14 (2nd Sat) and Feb 15 (Sunday). Monday, Feb 16 is a working day for banks—plan your transactions accordingly.
Key Highlights
- ❌ No Long Weekend: Feb 16 (Monday) is a working day.
- 📅 Major Holiday on Sunday: Maha Shivratri (Feb 15).
- 📍 Maharashtra Special: Shivaji Jayanti (Feb 19 – Thursday).
- 💡 Action: Focus on Board Exam preparation as “Prep Leaves” are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No. Since Maha Shivratri falls on Feb 15 (Sunday), February 16 is a regular working day for schools and offices.
A: Yes, for most schools. February 14, 2026, is the Second Saturday of the month, which is a designated holiday in many government and private institutions.
A: Yes, Maha Shivratri is a Gazetted holiday, but in 2026 it overlaps with Sunday (Feb 15), so the holiday is consumed by the weekend.
