The Punjab government has officially declared the schedule for winter vacations across all public and private schools in the province. The announcement was made through a formal notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department, ending weeks of speculation among students, parents, and teachers. According to the official schedule, winter vacations will begin on December 22, 2025, and continue until January 10, 2026. All schools will resume normal classes on January 10, marking the start of the second academic term.
This decision arrives at a crucial time for Punjab’s education sector, which has been navigating the combined challenges of smog, fluctuating weather conditions, and changes to the annual examination calendar. The clarity provided by the winter vacation notification has brought relief to families across Punjab, allowing them to plan their schedules and adjust learning activities accordingly.
Official Notification Confirms 20-Day Holiday Break
The notification issued on Thursday states:
“Winter vacations in all public and private schools of Punjab shall be observed with effect from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026.”
This means all educational institutions—government-run schools, private schools, registered academies, after-school tutoring centers, and affiliated campuses—must follow the same schedule without exception. The Punjab Education Department emphasized full compliance, noting that any deviations from the official holiday period would be treated as violations of government policy.
The winter vacation period spans nearly 20 days, giving students an extended opportunity to take rest from academic pressures after a strenuous first half of the school year. For teachers, the holidays offer a chance to finalize lesson plans, prepare second-term assessments, and manage administrative responsibilities ahead of the new academic cycle.
Smog and Weather Conditions Influenced the Decision
Punjab, especially cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, has been battling severe smog since October. The deteriorating air quality prompted repeated school closures, weekend holidays, and a shift to altered school timings. Though winter vacations are a yearly routine, this year’s break holds additional significance due to persistent smog conditions affecting children’s health.
Medical experts and school administrations had recommended extended breaks to minimize students’ exposure to hazardous air. The government’s holiday announcement aligns with these assessments, providing children with a safer indoor environment during the peak smog season.
Weather forecasts also indicate a strong cold wave expected to hit Punjab in late December and early January. The vacation schedule ensures that students are not forced to attend school during the harshest winter days, prioritizing their health and well-being.
Matric and Inter Exams Moved After Eid
One day before announcing the winter vacations, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat made another major declaration: matriculation and intermediate examinations for 2026 will now be held after Eid ul Fitr, instead of the earlier schedule.
Originally, the matric exams were planned to begin on March 3, while intermediate exam dates were still under consideration. The revised plan delays both examination cycles, giving students more preparation time and reducing academic stress.
Parents and school authorities have welcomed the move, noting that the annual exam schedule often overlaps with the holy month of Ramadan, making it difficult for students to maintain energy and focus. The updated exam calendar is expected to provide a more suitable environment for academic performance.
Revised School Timings Remain in Place
In response to worsening smog levels, the Punjab School Education Department revised school timings earlier in October. The adjusted schedule remains in place and will continue even after schools reopen in January unless the department issues fresh instructions.
The revised timings are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM
- Friday: 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM
These timings were introduced to reduce student exposure to peak-hour pollution, which typically occurs during the early morning.
Schools have been directed to ensure all safety protocols remain active, including the use of face masks, ventilation measures, and regular campus sanitation.
Holiday Assignments and Academic Preparations
Before closing for winter vacations, schools are expected to distribute winter homework, revision worksheets, and project-based learning tasks. These assignments help students stay academically active during the holidays while easing the burden of the upcoming second-term syllabus.
Teachers will also use the break to:
- Finalize attendance reports
- Prepare term exams and quizzes
- Update digital learning records
- Plan lesson outlines for core subjects
Private schools may offer optional online revision classes, though attendance will not be mandatory during the official vacation period.
Parents Welcome the Decision
Parents across the province have shown positive reactions to the winter vacation announcement. Many families had been awaiting official confirmation to finalize travel plans, tutoring schedules, and household activities.
For working parents, the break provides an opportunity to adjust routines and spend more time with their children. Additionally, the reduction in morning travel during smog-heavy days brings peace of mind, especially for younger students who face health risks due to poor air quality.
Students, as expected, have responded with excitement. After months of rigorous academic activity, exam pressure, and smog-related stress, the holidays arrive as a refreshing break.
Private Schools Required to Comply Fully
The Punjab School Education Department has reminded private school owners that any violation of the official holiday schedule will lead to strict action. All institutions must close during the mandated period, and surprise inspections may be carried out to ensure compliance.
In previous years, some private schools attempted to hold early classes or exam preparations during vacations. This year, the department has stated that no such activities will be allowed unless conducted entirely online.
Schools Reopen on January 10, 2026
All institutions will resume regular academic operations on January 10, 2026. Parents are advised to ensure students complete their homework, prepare for the revised exam schedule, and gradually transition back into their routine as the reopening date approaches.
Uniform shops, book centers, and tuition academies are also expected to see increased activity before the reopening period.