School Winter Vacation 2026: Which States Extended Holidays and How It Impacts Exams

As the new year begins, extreme cold across India has forced several states to extend school winter vacations to protect children’s health.

Across many regions, dense fog and freezing temperatures have disrupted daily life. Therefore, state governments have stepped in and ordered temporary school closures. However, January also plays a crucial role for students preparing for board exams, pre-boards, JEE Main, and internal assessments. As a result, education departments are trying to strike a balance between safety and academic continuity.

School Winter Vacation in Uttar Pradesh

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has extended school holidays due to the ongoing cold wave. According to official orders, schools from nursery to Class 8 will remain closed until January 15. On the other hand, Classes 9 to 12 will stay closed until January 5.

Notably, this order applies to all schools across the state, including CBSE, ICSE, and UP Board–affiliated institutions. Authorities have advised schools to resume academic activities only after weather conditions improve.

Punjab School Holidays Extended Till January 8

Similarly, Punjab has announced extended winter vacations for schools. Due to rapidly falling temperatures, schools will remain closed from January 1 to January 8.

Additionally, Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed that student safety remains the top priority. As a result, schools will reopen only after reviewing local weather conditions.

Rajasthan School Closure Due to Cold Wave

In contrast, Rajasthan has announced a shorter extension. Due to severe cold, schools across the state will remain closed until January 5.

Moreover, in Jaipur, the District Collector has issued separate orders for Anganwadi centres. These centres will stay closed from January 2 to January 10, keeping young children safe from harsh weather.

Kashmir Winter Vacation Schedule 2026

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley follows a longer winter break due to extreme climatic conditions. According to the official schedule:

Therefore, students in Kashmir will resume classes much later compared to other states.

Major Holidays in January 2026 (Tentative)

In addition to weather-related closures, several national and regional holidays fall in January:

However, holiday dates may vary by state and education board. Therefore, parents and students should always check official school or government notifications for confirmation.

What Students and Parents Should Keep in Mind

Although winter vacations offer relief from harsh weather, January remains academically important. As a result, many schools may assign online revision work, internal assessments, or exam preparation tasks. Staying updated with school circulars will help avoid last-minute confusion.

FAQs on School Winter Vacation 2026