Winter vacations for all educational institutions have been officially notified by the Punjab government. Winter holidays will start from December 23, 2025 and will continue to January 10, 2026 according to the notification issued by the Education Department and reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan. All the public and private schools will open on January 13, 2026 and the new academic session will commence.
It means all students will enjoy the same winter vacation from Class-I to university level throughout Punjab. The administration announced this decision keeping in mind the extreme cold weather of late December and early January. A long winter break is meant to provide relief to millions of students amidst plummeting temperatures.
Winter Vacation Schedule in Punjab 2025–2026
To provide clear and quick information for parents, teachers, and students, here is the official winter holiday schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Winter Vacations | December 23, 2025 |
| End of Winter Vacations | January 10, 2026 |
| School Reopening Date | January 13, 2026 |
The provincial government has directed all educational institutions whether government-run or private to strictly follow the same dates. Any deviation may result in disciplinary action from authorities.
Revised School Timings in Punjab Due to Smog
Just a week before announcing winter vacations, the Punjab Education Department issued a significant notification revising school timings across the province. The new timings were introduced due to dangerous smog levels and rising pollution.
According to the official notification, no educational institution is allowed to open before 8:45am. Schools violating this rule may face fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1,000,000.
These revised timings are effective from October 27, 2025 and will remain applicable until April 15, 2026.
Official School Timing Schedule in Punjab
| School Type / Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Single Shift Schools (Mon–Thu & Sat) | 8:45am | 1:30pm |
| Single Shift Friday | 8:45am | 12:30pm |
| Double Shift – First Shift | 8:45am | 1:30pm |
| Double Shift – Second Shift | 1:00pm | 4:00pm |
| Teacher Duty Timings | 8:30am | 2:00pm |
| Teacher Duty Timings Friday | 8:30am | 12:30pm |
Why Punjab Announced Winter Vacations Early
The winter vacation schedule matches the annual pattern, but this year’s decision has gained attention due to several key factors:
- Expected drop in temperatures during late December
- Need for student safety during harsh weather
- Increased smog intensity across the region
- Revised school timings already in place due to pollution
- Health concerns raised by parents and teachers
In recent weeks, smog conditions have worsened across major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan. This has already led the Education Department to enforce stricter school opening times.
Government Instructions to Schools
The Education Department has strictly instructed all schools to follow the new timings. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that the decision was taken after careful evaluation of smog levels and health risks.
Schools Must Comply with the Following Rules:
- No school should open before 8:45am
- Daily school timing must follow the official schedule
- Double-shift schools should ensure proper management between shifts
- Teachers must follow duty hours strictly
- Violation will result in heavy fines for school administration
The government aims to ensure student safety, reduce exposure to hazardous air, and maintain uniformity across Punjab.
Impact of the New School Timings
The revised timings and upcoming winter vacations are expected to benefit students, teachers, and parents in several ways:
- Reduced exposure to morning smog
- Better health safety for children
- More manageable routine during winter
- Relief for teachers and staff
- Improved attendance during school hours
Parents have appreciated the decision, especially given the alarming smog situation in major cities. Teachers have also welcomed the structured schedule, which helps maintain discipline across educational institutions.
Punjab’s official announcement of winter vacations from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026, along with the revised school timings from October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026, reflects the government’s proactive approach toward student health and safety. The consistent schedule for public and private schools ensures equal access to a safe learning environment across the province.
As temperatures fall and smog conditions persist, these measures are expected to significantly reduce health risks for millions of students.
