A thick blanket of smog, dense fog and severe cold wave conditions has disrupted normal life across several parts of India, forcing administrations to shut schools, revise timings, or shift to online and hybrid learning modes.
From Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh to Jammu and Kashmir and Goa, authorities have issued advisories prioritising student safety amid worsening weather conditions.
Here is a state-wise look at where schools are closed or operating with revised schedules:
UTTRA PRADESH
Lucknow
Owing to dense fog and extreme cold, the Lucknow district administration has revised school timings. As per official orders, all schools from Class 1 to Class 12, across all boards, will now begin classes only after 9 am until further notice.
The directive applies to government-run, aided and private schools, and institutions have been asked to strictly follow the revised schedule.
Rampur
In Rampur, the cold wave has led to multiple restrictions. Schools for Classes 1 to 8 will operate between 10 am and 3 pm.
In addition, the district administration has announced a complete holiday from December 18 to December 20, 2025, for all recognised, aided and government schools up to Class 8 due to extreme cold conditions.
Bareilly
The Bareilly district administration has ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 8 from December 18 to December 20, 2025, citing dense fog and cold wave conditions.
The order applies to government, aided and private schools. Authorities have warned of strict action against institutions violating the directive, although schools with pre-scheduled examinations may conduct them as planned.
Noida and Ghaziabad
Schools in parts of western Uttar Pradesh have moved to online and hybrid modes.
- Pre-nursery to Class 5: Online classes
- Classes 6 to 9: Hybrid mode
- Classes 10 and 12: Physical classes continue
The decision has been taken to safeguard students’ health amid severe fog and low visibility.
DELHI-NCR
With air quality slipping into the ‘severe’ category, the Delhi government has invoked GRAP Stage 4. As per the latest order:
- Nursery to Class 5: Schools closed and shifted to online mode
- Classes 6 to 11: Hybrid mode
- Classes 10 and 12: Physical classes continue due to upcoming board exams
The Delhi High Court has also advised virtual appearances for advocates and litigants. Government and private offices have been directed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, with work-from-home for the remaining staff.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Schools across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir have remained closed from December 13 to December 19, 2025, due to severe winter conditions.The closure applies to all institutions up to Class 8.
Authorities are monitoring weather conditions closely as snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to affect daily life.
GOA
Schools across Goa remained closed on December 19, 2025, on account of Goa Liberation Day, a state holiday commemorating the end of Portuguese rule in 1961.
Educational institutions typically observe a holiday on this day every year.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dense fog is likely to persist in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, while severe cold conditions are expected to continue over the next few days.
Light rainfall or snowfall has been predicted in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between December 20 and 23.
IMD has also warned that central, northwest and northeast India may experience above-normal cold wave days this winter. Parents and students are advised to stay alert for fresh advisories from district administrations, as more closures or timing changes may be announced depending on weather conditions.
(With inputs from agencies)
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