Schools across the Delhi‑NCR region will remain closed until January 12, 2026, as a severe cold wave grips northern India, prompting authorities to extend winter holidays for student safety. The announcement was made by the Delhi Directorate of Education and supported by local municipal authorities, following a week of unusually low temperatures, dense fog, and icy conditions affecting commuting and daily routines.
Officials stated that the extended closure is a preventive measure aimed at minimizing health risks, such as respiratory illnesses, hypothermia, and frostbite, among students and school staff. Authorities have also advised parents to ensure children stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours when temperatures drop to their lowest levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported continued cold wave conditions across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and surrounding regions, with minimum temperatures recorded as low as 5–6 °C. Dense fog has further reduced visibility, increasing the risk of road accidents and making it unsafe for students to travel to schools in the early hours.
The closure affects all government, private, and aided schools across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. Some schools are implementing online classes or digital learning sessions to ensure that students continue their education without interruption. Education authorities stressed that these temporary measures will not affect academic calendars significantly, as makeup classes will be arranged after the break.
Parents and educators have had mixed reactions. While many appreciate the proactive approach for student safety, some have expressed concerns about disruption to learning schedules, particularly for students preparing for board exams and competitive assessments. Experts suggest that students use this time for revision, self-study, and online learning modules to maintain academic progress.
As Delhi‑NCR braces for continued severe cold and fog, authorities will monitor weather developments closely and issue further updates. In the meantime, the extended school holidays underscore a growing focus on student health and safety amid extreme winter conditions in northern India.
