For parents and students across Punjab, one of the biggest questions every year is about the official school timings. When will schools open? What time will classes end? These questions become more important during seasonal changes because weather directly affects children’s health, safety, and ability to learn. The Government of Punjab issues new schedules every year so that students are not forced to travel in extreme cold or unbearable heat.
This year again, the Punjab government has released an official notification. According to the announcement, school timings in Punjab from November 2025 will change for all public schools. The revised timings are designed to match the needs of the winter season, where mornings are colder and days shorter. Parents, teachers, and students need to follow this updated timetable strictly to ensure smooth and safe learning. In this detailed guide, we will explain the official notification, timings for single and double shift schools, Friday schedule, timings for teachers, and special adjustments for girls’ schools.
Quick Details
| Category | Details |
| Notification Date | November 2025 |
| Single Shift (Mon–Thu) | 8:30 am – 2:30 pm |
| Double Shift Morning (Mon–Thu) | 8:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Double Shift Evening (Mon–Thu) | 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Friday Timings | Single Shift 8:30–12:30, Morning 8:00–12:00, Evening 2:00–5:00 |
Why are School Timings in Punjab changing from 16 November 2025?
Many parents often ask why school timings in Punjab do not remain the same throughout the year. The reason is simple: weather and daylight. In summer, the days are hot and long, which means schools usually start early in the morning and close early to avoid the afternoon heat. But in winter, mornings are colder and children struggle to reach school in freezing weather.
To address this, the Punjab government adjusts timings every year. Starting schools later in the morning during winter makes travel safer for younger students and provides a healthier learning environment. The school timings in Punjab from November 2025 official notification is therefore a seasonal adjustment aimed at balancing health, safety, and learning.
What are the timings for single shift schools?
Most schools in Punjab run on a single shift system, meaning that students attend only one session per day. According to the new official schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
This change is particularly helpful during winter months. By starting at 8:30 am instead of earlier, children avoid traveling during the coldest morning hours. It also gives families more time to prepare for school and ensures students arrive fresh and ready to learn. The single shift model also allows students to return home by afternoon, leaving enough time for rest and homework.
What are the timings for double shift schools?
In many crowded areas, schools operate in two shifts to accommodate more students in the same building. These are known as double shift schools. The new official schedule divides them into morning and evening sessions:
Morning Shift
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Evening Shift
- Monday to Thursday: 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Friday: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
This system ensures maximum use of classrooms and school facilities. While morning shift students enjoy earlier hours, evening shift students benefit from starting later, avoiding the cold mornings of winter.
Quick Comparison Table – Single vs Double Shift
| Shift Type | Mon–Thu Timings | Friday Timings |
| Single Shift | 8:30 am – 2:30 pm | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Double Shift Morning | 8:00 am – 12:30 pm | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Double Shift Evening | 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
What are the timings for teachers?
Parents often wonder if teachers also follow the same schedule as students. In reality, teachers usually report earlier and leave later than students because they need time to prepare lessons, check assignments, and attend meetings.
According to the notification:
- In single shift schools, teachers must report at 8:15 am and leave at 2:45 pm (Mon–Thu). On Friday, they will leave at 12:45 pm.
- In double shift schools, morning teachers will be on duty from 7:45 am to 12:45 pm, while evening teachers will work from 12:45 pm to 5:45 pm.
This ensures proper preparation time and smooth running of classes in both shifts.
What about girls’ schools?
The government of Punjab has given a small but important adjustment for girls’ schools. District Education Authorities (DEA) have been given permission to allow a 15-minute timing adjustment. This is meant to help families manage safe travel for girls, especially in rural areas where transport can be difficult in winter mornings or after sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will schools open in Punjab from November 2025?
Single shift schools will open at 8:30 am, while double shift morning schools will open at 8:00 am.
Q2. What time will schools close on Friday?
Single shift schools close at 12:30 pm. Double shift morning closes at 12:00 pm, and evening schools close at 5:00 pm.
Q3. Do these timings apply to private schools?
The official notification is for public schools, but most private schools also follow the same timings. Some may set their own hours, so it is best to confirm directly with the school.
Q4. Will these timings remain permanent?
No. These are winter timings and will remain in place until the next notification, usually in April when summer timings begin.
Q5. Why are Friday timings shorter?
Friday has religious importance because of Jummah prayers. To allow students and teachers time for prayers, schools close earlier.
Q6. Who ensures schools follow these timings?
The District Education Authority (DEA) monitors and ensures all schools follow the official schedule.
How should parents prepare for the new school timings?
Changing school timings means families must adjust their routines too. Parents should set new wake-up times for children to avoid missing the school bus. Lunchboxes should be prepared according to the new schedule, especially for evening shift students who return home later in the day.
For girls, parents should confirm the 15-minute adjustment offered by the government. Homework and evening study sessions may also need to be reorganized because children may now return home closer to sunset.
Why is following the official school timings important?
School timings are not just about discipline; they are directly linked to safety, health, and learning. Arriving on time helps students settle into class, focus better, and learn more effectively. Leaving on time protects them from extreme weather and ensures they have enough time for rest and family activities. Parents play an important role in encouraging children to respect the new timings.
Conclusion
The School Timings in Punjab from November 2025 official notification is a seasonal adjustment designed for the safety and well-being of students. These new timings balance health, discipline, and effective learning in public schools across Punjab. Parents, teachers, and students should all cooperate to follow this schedule strictly.
If you are unsure about your child’s exact schedule, the best option is to confirm with the school administration or visit the District Education Authority. Education works best when everyone respects time—arriving on time means more learning, better discipline, and smoother school days.
For more details, visit the official website:
👉 schools.punjab.gov.pk
