School education boards across India have released their winter vacation schedules for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. These announcements detail school closures spanning from late December into January. While most states will observe a period of winter break, the Uttar Pradesh government has notably cancelled the traditional Christmas holiday for its schools.
State-Specific Vacation Dates
The Delhi government has scheduled its winter break from December 23, 2025 , to January 1, 2026 . Students in Delhi schools will return to classes on January 2. This ten-day break is consistent with previous years’ schedules.
In Haryana, the Directorate of School Education formally declared winter vacations for all government and private schools. The break runs from January 1 to January 15, 2026 . During this period, Class 10 and 12 students may be called in for practical examinations. This arrangement follows specific board guidelines for senior secondary students.
Punjab schools began their winter vacation on December 22, 2025 . The School Education Department, Punjab, confirmed that schools would reopen on January 12, 2026 . This extended break allows students and staff time off during the coldest period of the year.
The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE) has also announced its vacation dates. Schools in Rajasthan will close from December 25, 2025 , until January 5, 2026 . This twelve-day closure covers the Christmas and New Year period.
Uttar Pradesh: Christmas Holiday Cancelled
The Uttar Pradesh government has made a distinct announcement regarding December 25, 2025 . Schools across the state will remain open on this date. This decision effectively cancels the Christmas holiday for schools in Uttar Pradesh.
The state government confirmed that schools will commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee . His birthday falls on December 25. This decision overrides any traditional holiday observance for Christmas.
Despite this statewide directive, some districts in Uttar Pradesh recently saw temporary school closures. These closures were due to severe cold weather conditions. However, the state government clarified that the Christmas holiday cancellation remains in effect for December 25.
Varying Schedules Across States
The timing and duration of winter vacations differ significantly across Indian states and union territories. These variations reflect regional climatic conditions, local traditions, and specific educational board policies. Students and educators are advised to consult official notifications from their respective school administrations for precise dates and any specific guidelines during the break.
Comprehensive Winter Vacation Schedule 2025-2026
Below is a detailed breakdown of winter vacation dates across various states and educational boards for the 2025-26 academic year. These schedules help students, parents, and school staff plan accordingly.
| State/Board | Winter Vacation Schedule |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | December 20 to 31, 2025 (Note: December 25 is a working day) |
| Punjab | December 21 to 31, 2025 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Classes 1-8: December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026 Classes 9-12: December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026 |
| Delhi | December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026 |
| Haryana | January 1 to 15, 2026 (Practical exams for Class 10 & 12 possible) |
| Kerala | December 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026 |
| Rajasthan | December 25, 2025, to January 5, 2026 |
| Madhya Pradesh | From December 23, 2025 onwards |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya (All Region) | From December 23, 2025 onwards |
| PM Shri Schools | December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026 |
These specific dates are set to ensure students and teachers receive a period of rest. The diverse schedules across states reflect varied regional needs and academic calendars. All schools are expected to adhere to the announced vacation periods.