School Winter Holidays 2025: UP, Delhi, Punjab and other states vacation dates
State education departments across India have released winter holiday schedules for schools. While most states will close schools from late December, vacation dates differ due to weather conditions, exams and local government decisions.
New Delhi: With the onset of winter, temperatures have dropped in many areas and several state education departments and school boards across India have announced winter vacation. Along with the cold wave, there is rising pollution in some of the states and this vacation will protect students allowing schools to plan exams and academic activities smoothly.
While most states have declared holidays starting from late December the dates vary widely depending on weather conditions and local decisions. Some states have also issued special instructions for board classes and clarified the stance on holidays falling on important national days.
Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government has stated that schools will remain open on December 25 to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee thereby cancelling the Christmas holiday. However, due to severe cold, schools in several districts have been temporarily closed. As per the announced schedule, winter vacations in UP are expected to run from December 20 to December 31, 2025.
Punjab
As per the School Education Department of Punjab, the winter vacations started on December 21, 2025. Schools in the state will reopen on January 12, 2026.
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir follows a longer winter break due to harsh weather. Schools for Class 1 to Class 8 will remain closed from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. For Class 9 to Class 12, vacations will be from December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026.
Delhi
The Delhi government has announced winter vacations from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026, for all schools under its jurisdiction.
Haryana
In Haryana, winter vacations for both government and private schools will be observed from January 1 to January 15, 2026. The education department has also informed that Class 10 and Class 12 students may be called for practical exams during this period.
Kerala
Schools in Kerala will remain closed for the winter holidays from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Rajasthan
The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan has declared winter vacations from December 25, 2025 to January 5, 2026.
Madhya Pradesh
In Madhya Pradesh, winter vacations will begin from December 23, 2025. The reopening date will be announced separately.
Kendriya Vidyalayas
All Kendriya Vidyalayas across regions will observe winter vacations starting December 23, 2025.
PM Shri Schools
PM Shri Schools will remain closed from December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Students and parents are advised to stay updated with official school notifications for any changes.