New Delhi: Students across India are facing a mixed bag of news this week. While North India shivers under a severe cold wave leading to extended winter vacations, schools in South India are gearing up for the harvest festival holidays.
As of January 12, 2026, authorities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana have issued fresh orders extending school closures. Meanwhile, state governments in Tamil Nadu and Telangana have released the official holiday list for Pongal and Makar Sankranti.
If you are a parent or student confused about reopening dates, here is the complete state-wise wrap-up of school holiday news for January 2026.
North India: “Cold Day” Alerts & Holiday Extensions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for dense fog and cold wave conditions in the northern plains. In response, education departments have prioritized student safety.
Delhi & NCR: Closed Till Jan 15
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has officially extended the winter break for all government and private schools in the National Capital.
- Closure Dates: Schools will remain closed until January 15, 2026 (Thursday).
- Reopening: Physical classes are expected to resume on Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Reason: Minimum temperatures have dipped below 4°C, and visibility is poor due to fog.
- Note for Seniors: Extra classes for Class 10 and 12 may continue online or in hybrid mode; students should check with their specific schools.
Uttar Pradesh (Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow)
District Magistrates (DM) in several UP districts have taken strict action.
- Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar) & Ghaziabad: Schools for students up to Class 8 are ordered to remain shut till January 15, 2026.
- Lucknow: Timings for Classes 9 to 12 have been changed (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) to avoid the early morning chill.
- Advisory: Parents should verify daily updates as local DMs may modify orders based on weather fluctuations.
Punjab & Haryana Update
- Punjab: Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has announced that winter holidays are extended till January 13, 2026. Schools are likely to reopen on January 14 (Wednesday).
- Haryana: All schools (govt and private) will observe holidays till January 15, 2026.
South India: Pongal & Sankranti Festival Breaks
While the North stays indoors due to the cold, the southern states are celebrating the harvest.
Tamil Nadu (Pongal Holidays)
The Tamil Nadu government has declared a consecutive holiday streak for schools and colleges.
- Jan 14 (Wednesday): Bhogi / Makar Sankranti
- Jan 15 (Thursday): Thai Pongal
- Jan 16 (Friday): Thiruvalluvar Day
- Jan 17 (Saturday): Uzhavar Thirunal
- Impact: Combined with Sunday (Jan 18), students get a massive 5-day break from Jan 14 to Jan 18.
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Schools in these states usually observe Sankranti holidays from January 13 to January 16/17. The Telangana government has confirmed holidays, with reopening scheduled after the festival weekend.
Makar Sankranti (Jan 14): National Status
For states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and parts of Bihar, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, will be a school holiday for Makar Sankranti.
- Gujarat: Known for the Kite Festival (Uttarayan), schools usually remain closed on Jan 14 and sometimes Jan 15 (Vasi Uttarayan).
Republic Day Long Weekend (Jan 26)
Looking ahead, schools across India will remain closed on January 26, 2026 (Monday) for Republic Day.
- The Good News: Since Jan 26 falls on a Monday, students and teachers will enjoy a natural long weekend (Saturday, Sunday, Monday).
Quick Check: State-wise Status
| State / City | Status | Till Date / Holiday Date | Reason |
| Delhi | Closed | Till Jan 15, 2026 | Cold Wave |
| Noida/Ghaziabad | Closed (upto Class 8) | Till Jan 15, 2026 | Cold Wave |
| Haryana | Closed | Till Jan 15, 2026 | Winter Break |
| Punjab | Closed | Till Jan 13, 2026 | Cold & Fog |
| Tamil Nadu | Closed | Jan 14 – Jan 17 | Pongal Festival |
| Gujarat | Closed | Jan 14 (likely Jan 15) | Makar Sankranti |
| All India | Closed | Jan 26 (Monday) | Republic Day |
Important Advisory for Parents
- Online Classes: Many private schools in Delhi-NCR are switching to online mode for senior classes. Ensure your child has access to necessary devices.
- Uniforms: If students are required to attend school (for exams/extra classes), ensure they wear thermals. Most schools have relaxed uniform norms during the cold wave.
- Fake Orders: Do not trust forwarded WhatsApp PDFs. Always check the official website of the Directorate of Education (DoE) or your school’s official portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are Delhi schools opening on January 16, 2026?
Yes, as per the current order, the winter vacation ends on Jan 15. Schools are expected to resume physical classes on Friday, January 16.
Q2: Is there a holiday for Makar Sankranti in Bangalore?
Yes, most schools in Karnataka (including Bangalore) will observe a holiday on January 14 (Wednesday) for the Sankranti festival.
Q3: Till when are Noida schools closed?
Schools for Nursery to Class 8 in Noida and Greater Noida are closed till January 15, 2026 due to the cold wave.
Q4: How long are the Pongal holidays in Tamil Nadu?
Schools in Tamil Nadu are closed from Jan 14 to Jan 17. Since Jan 18 is a Sunday, schools will reopen on Monday, Jan 19.
Q5: Will board practical exams be postponed due to the cold wave?
Usually, Class 10 and 12 practical exams continue as per schedule (often in the afternoon shift) despite holidays for junior classes. Please contact your class teacher for confirmation.