The Punjab government has officially released the Punjab Announces Winter Vacations 2025–26 for All Schools, confirming a uniform break for both government and private educational institutions. The decision ensures that all schools in Punjab follow the same holiday timeline this winter.
Winter Vacations in Punjab: Official Dates Announced
According to the latest notification from the Punjab School Education Department, winter holidays will begin on December 23, 2025, and continue until January 10, 2026. All schools will reopen on January 13, 2026, marking the start of the new academic session.
The department clarified that the same schedule applies to all government and private institutions, ensuring a consistent break for students, teachers, and staff across Punjab. This step aims to avoid confusion and maintain a standardized academic calendar throughout the province.
Reason Behind the Winter Break Schedule
Officials stated that the schedule was finalized considering anticipated cold weather conditions in late December and early January. Meteorological forecasts predict a sharp temperature drop during this period, prompting the government to grant a longer winter break to protect students from severe cold.
An education department spokesperson said the decision aligns with health and safety measures, especially for younger children who face greater challenges during freezing morning hours.
Revised School Timings Due to Smog
Earlier this month, the Punjab Education Department also revised school timings due to worsening smog conditions across major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The updated schedule was implemented to ensure the safety of students and reduce exposure to hazardous air quality levels.
As per the official notification, no school is allowed to open before 8:45 AM. Institutions that violate this rule could face fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1 million.
These revised timings took effect on October 27, 2025, and will remain in place until April 15, 2026.
New School Timings for Punjab (2025–26)
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed the updated schedule, emphasizing that both teachers and parents must strictly follow the new timing policy.
| School Type | Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Shift Schools | Monday–Thursday, Saturday | 8:45 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Single-Shift Schools | Friday | 8:45 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Double-Shift Schools (First Shift) | Monday–Saturday | 8:45 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Double-Shift Schools (Second Shift) | Monday–Saturday | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Teacher Duty Hours | Monday–Thursday, Saturday | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM | |
| Teacher Duty Hours | Friday | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
The minister added that the government is closely monitoring weather and air quality conditions. Any future changes to schedules will be announced promptly to ensure the well-being of students.
Uniform Policy for All Educational Institutions
The Punjab government reiterated that both public and private schools must comply with these regulations. Failure to adhere to the official winter vacation schedule or school timings could lead to administrative action or monetary penalties.
District education authorities have been instructed to inspect schools regularly to ensure full implementation of the orders.
Conclusion
The Punjab winter vacation schedule 2025–26 offers much-needed relief for students amid falling temperatures and rising smog levels. With a uniform policy across all institutions, the Education Department aims to maintain order, protect health, and ensure consistency in the academic calendar. Schools are expected to reopen on January 13, 2026, resuming regular classes under the revised timing system.
