Jammu: If you are a student or parent in the Jammu region waiting for schools to reopen after the New Year, here is an important update. The winter break has been officially scheduled to continue well into January 2026.
Due to the intensifying cold wave and foggy conditions, the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) and the Higher Education Department have issued fresh orders regarding winter vacations for schools and colleges in the “Summer Zone” of the Jammu division.
Here is the complete breakdown of the holiday schedule for schools, colleges, and universities effective from tomorrow, January 1.
School Holidays: Class-Wise Schedule
According to the official notification (Order No. 458-DSEJ of 2025), all government and recognized private schools in the Jammu Summer Zone will observe winter vacations as follows:
- Up to Class 8th: Schools will remain closed until January 10, 2026.
- High & Higher Secondary (9th to 12th): Classes will also remain suspended until January 10, 2026, to protect students from the harsh morning chill.
- Reopening Date: All schools are expected to resume normal classwork from January 12, 2026 (Monday), provided the weather improves.
College & University Holidays
In a separate order, the J&K Higher Education Department has announced winter breaks for Degree Colleges falling under the Summer Zone of Jammu Division.
- Colleges Closed: From January 1, 2026 to January 10, 2026.
- Kashmir University Affiliated Colleges: Private colleges in Jammu affiliated with Kashmir University will also follow this 10-day break.
Situation in Other States (North India)
It is not just J&K; the entire northern belt is shivering under a severe cold spell.
- Uttar Pradesh: As reported by PTI, the UP government has ordered schools to remain closed till January 1 (likely to extend) due to dense fog.
- Punjab: The state government has extended winter holidays for all schools until January 7, 2026.
- Delhi: Schools remain closed, and a “Yellow Alert” for cold wave conditions has been issued by the IMD for the first week of January.
Why This Matters
For parents, this brings clarity to the confusion regarding school reopening dates. With temperatures in Jammu dipping below 4°C at night and dense fog disrupting morning visibility, this extension provides much-needed relief to students.
What Happens Next?
- Teachers: All teaching staff must report back to their respective schools on January 10 to prepare for the resumption of classes.
- Weather Watch: Keep an eye on local news. If the cold wave persists beyond Jan 10, the administration might issue a further extension.
FAQs
No. Schools in the Kashmir division and Winter Zones of Jammu are already observing their long winter break (Dec 1 to Feb 28). This order is only for the Jammu Summer Zone (Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Jammu, etc.).
The government has not mandated online classes, but some private schools may conduct voluntary sessions for Class 10 and 12 students. Check with your school administration.
The University follows its own academic calendar. While affiliated colleges have vacations, University departments usually remain functional. Please check the official Jammu University website for department-specific notices.
Disclaimer
This article is based on Official Order No. 458-DSEJ of 2025 and Higher Education Department notifications available as of December 31, 2025. Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
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