As winter tightens its grip across North India, daily school routines have been thrown into uncertainty. For many parents and students, mornings now begin with checking air quality readings, weather alerts, and school messages instead of rushing to catch the bus. From hazardous smog in Delhi-NCR to dense fog and biting cold in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, state authorities are taking emergency steps to protect children’s health.
On December 22, 2025, widespread disruptions were reported across several states, with schools either moving online, changing timings, or shutting down entirely.
Check School Holidays State Wise On December 22 Monday
Delhi-NCR: Severe Air Pollution Forces Online and Hybrid Classes
In Delhi and the National Capital Region, air pollution remains the biggest concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has slipped into the “Severe” category, prompting authorities to activate GRAP IV, the strictest set of anti-pollution measures.
Under these rules, schools have been asked to limit students’ exposure to outdoor air. Classes for Nursery to Class 5 are being conducted entirely online. Older students in Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 are following a hybrid model, attending school on selected days while studying from home on others.
To improve indoor safety, the Delhi Education Department has also begun installing 10,000 air purifiers in government schools, starting with the most polluted zones. Officials say the move aims to ensure classrooms remain safe even when schools reopen fully.
Uttar Pradesh: Dense Fog and Cold Lead to Local School Closures
In Uttar Pradesh, the challenge is extreme cold and thick fog, which has reduced visibility and made early morning travel risky. Rather than issuing a state-wide order, district administrations are taking decisions based on local weather alerts from the IMD.
In cities like Bareilly and Kanpur, schools have been closed for students from Nursery to Class 8, while some districts extended closures up to Class 12. Similar orders have been issued in Rampur, Shahjahanpur, and Gonda.
Officials said the goal is to prevent children from commuting in near-zero visibility and temperatures dipping below safe levels.
Bihar: Schools Shift to Warmer Daytime Hours
Bihar has opted for a different approach. Instead of widespread closures, many districts have changed school timings to avoid the coldest part of the day.
In Patna and Madhubani, schools are now allowed to function only between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM, ensuring students travel during relatively warmer hours. However, some areas like Buxar have announced full closures for Classes 1 to 8 until late December.
Officials across states agree these decisions are driven by health concerns. Children are more vulnerable to extreme pollution and sudden drops in temperature, which can trigger breathing issues, infections, and long-term health problems.
While school closures disrupt learning schedules, authorities say safety must come first during such severe weather conditions.
Delhi Winter Vacation Dates Announced
Meanwhile, Delhi schools are set to begin their winter vacation from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Parents are advised to stay alert, as holidays may be extended depending on weather and pollution levels.
Authorities continue to urge families to follow official updates and confirm announcements with school administrations as conditions evolve.
