The new winter schedule for all public and private schools in Punjab has been formally announced by the government. The Punjab School Education Department announced in a notification that the new schedule will go into effect on October 16, 2025 and run through March 31, 2026. These timings will be followed in both boys and girls schools covering single shift and double shift institutions alike.
The ruling demonstrates the government continued dedication to guaranteeing students safety, comfort and ability to continue their education throughout the winter months. The department goal in changing school hours is to keep all grades academic flow intact while shielding teachers and students from inclement early morning weather.
A Step Towards Student Safety and Comfort
During the winter months Punjab experiences chilly and misty mornings which can present health and safety risks for school age children. The Punjabi government has taken proactive measures to modify school schedules in light of this. The purpose of the new winter schedule is to reduce the amount of time that students are exposed to cold temperatures and heavy fog particularly during early morning commutes.
Education officials have stressed that these changes are about safety as much as comfort. By postponing the start of classes parents and students can make the route safer and easier by allowing the temperature to rise slightly before students leave.
New Winter School Timings in Punjab (2025–2026)
The Punjab School Education Department has provided a detailed schedule for all types of schools, ensuring that every institution across the province follows a uniform timing structure.
Single Shift Schools (Boys)
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:45 AM | 2:45 PM |
| 8:45 AM | 12:30 PM (On Friday) |
Single Shift Schools (Girls)
In girls’ schools operating on a single shift, the schedule begins 15 minutes earlier than boys’ schools.
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| 8:30 AM | 12:15 PM (On Friday) |
Double Shift Schools (Boys)
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:45 AM (Morning Shift) | 12:45 PM (Morning Shift) |
| 8:45 AM (Morning Shift on Friday) | 12:30 PM ( Morning Shift On Friday) |
| 1:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift) | 5:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift) |
| 2:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) | 5:00 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) |
Double Shift Schools (Girls)
| Starting | Ending |
| 8:30 AM (Morning Shift) | 12:30 PM (Morning Shift) |
| 8:30 AM (Morning Shift on Friday) | 12:15 PM ( Morning Shift On Friday) |
| 12:45 PM (Afternoon Shift) | 4:45 PM(Afternoon/Evening Shift) |
| 1:45 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) | 4:45 PM (Afternoon/Evening Shift on Friday) |
These timings ensure a balanced routine while giving students enough time to rest and prepare for their studies in a warmer part of the day.
Purpose Behind the New Schedule
According to Punjab School Education Department officials this decision was taken after consulting with educational boards and meteorological experts. Their main objective was to protect pupils from the cold without sacrificing their capacity to pursue further education. Due to Punjab notoriously high levels of fog, poor visibility and icy mornings teachers and students frequently find it challenging to travel during the winter months.
To get around these issues and ensure that the weather and visibility would improve by the time classes began the government decided to start school activities later than usual. This change not only promotes the health of the students and also guarantees that weather related absences won’t have an impact on learning outcomes.
Implementation and Compliance
To ensure the effectiveness of the new timings the Education Department has instructed all District Education Authorities (DEAs) to strictly enforce the revised schedule. Private schools in particular have been directed to comply fully with the official timings. Any institution found violating these rules may face administrative action or penalties.
Additionally the department has recommended that school administrators install adequate heating in classrooms whenever possible. Additionally students should be reminded to dress warmly and to adhere to the regulations regarding winter appropriate attire.
In order to protect their children from colds and the flu. Parents have been advised to dress up their kids properly during the winter. This comprehensive approach ensures that both public and private schools can follow the new guidelines creating a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Public and Parental Response
Parents throughout Punjab have overwhelmingly approved of the announcement of the winter school schedule. The government decision to emphasize that children health and safety come first has been well received. Over the years parents have frequently worries about their kids going to school in freezing and foggy weather. These problems are directly addressed in the updated schedule.
Since students would not have to get up as early in cold weather parents also think that these changes will help students be more attentive and focused in class. Most working parents concur that the new system is a necessary and beneficial change despite some mentioning that it might slightly alter their morning routines.
Expert Opinions
- Experts praise Punjab new winter school timings.
- Seasonal schedules improve consistency and student well being.
- Later start times help boost attendance and reduce illness.
- Warm, rested students perform better academically.
- Many countries follow similar climate based school schedules.
- The move is seen as a positive step by the Punjab government.
A Continuing Tradition in Punjab
Changing school timings according to the season is not a new practice in Punjab. Every year the Punjab Education Department issues official notifications for both summer and winter timings. In order to avoid the extreme afternoon heat the summer schedule which runs from April to October usually starts earlier in the day.
Likewise, the winter schedule permits a postponed start, minimizing students exposure to the chilly morning temperatures. This consistency reflects the department commitment to student welfare and efficient school management. The 2025–2026 winter timings continue this long standing tradition demonstrating the government dedication to responsive and adaptive educational planning.
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Conclusion
A careful and sensible approach to managing education during the cold season is shown by the Punjab government announcement of the winter school schedule for 2025–2026. The Education Department has made sure that students can learn in safer warmer and more comfortable environments by modifying the schedules for both public and private schools.
The new schedules which will take effect on October 16, 2025 and last until March 31, 2026, are a fair attempt to protect students health and maintain academic discipline. With these efforts the Punjabi government reaffirms its commitment to providing excellent education in a flexible and secure setting. Guaranteeing each child in the province has unhindered access to education and development.
