Punjab School Holidays Extension Notification 2026 – Winter Vacations Extended Till 19 January

The Punjab School Holidays Extension Notification 2026 has been officially announced by the Government of Punjab, confirming that all schools and colleges across the province will remain closed until Sunday, 19 January 2026, and will reopen on Monday, 20 January 2026.

This decision has been taken in view of persistently low temperatures, severe cold waves, and dense fog conditions affecting most districts of Punjab. The weather situation has raised serious concerns regarding student safety, transportation risks, and health issues, especially for younger children.

Key Highlights – Winter Holidays Extension 2026 Punjab

• Holidays Extended Till: 19 January 2026
• Institutions Reopening Date: 20 January 2026
  Applicable To:
• Public schools
• Private schools
• Government & private colleges
• 
  Reason for Extension:
• Severe cold weather
• Dense fog and poor visibility
• Health risks for students and staff

The extension applies uniformly across Punjab province, ensuring clarity and consistency for parents, students, and educational institutions.

Punjab Winter Vacation 2025–2026 Notification – Clarification

Over the past few days, misinformation circulated on some unofficial websites and social media pages, claiming that no official notification had been issued regarding the extension of winter vacations. These claims are incorrect.

The Punjab Winter Vacation 2025–2026 Notification has been formally approved and communicated by the provincial authorities. Schools are not permitted to reopen before 20 January 2026, and any institution violating this directive may face action from the education department.

Parents are strongly advised to rely only on official government updates and credible education news sources.

Why Winter Holidays Were Extended in Punjab?

1. Severe Cold Wave Across Punjab

In early January 2026, Punjab experienced unusually low temperatures, particularly in central and northern districts. Morning temperatures dropped close to freezing levels, making early school hours unsafe.

2. Dense Fog & Road Safety Concerns

Dense fog severely reduced visibility on highways and city roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Daily school travel became a major concern, especially for students commuting via vans, buses, and motorcycles.

3. Student Health & Attendance Issues

Health experts warned of rising cases of:

• Seasonal flu
• Chest infections
• Throat and sinus problems

Young children are particularly vulnerable, prompting the government to prioritize preventive measures.

Institutions Covered Under Winter Holidays Extension 2026

The notification covers all types of educational institutions, including:

• Primary schools
• Middle schools
• High schools
• Higher secondary schools
• Public & private colleges

Both regular and private institutions must strictly comply with the holiday extension directive.

Reopening Date & Academic Adjustments

All schools and colleges will resume academic activities on Monday, 20 January 2026. Education authorities have also advised institutions to:

• Adjust academic calendars if required
• Reschedule internal tests where necessary
• Avoid early morning assemblies during the first week after reopening

Any further changes due to weather conditions will be announced separately if needed.

FAQs

Q1: Are schools open in Punjab before 19 January 2026?

No. All schools and colleges will remain closed till 19 January 2026.

Q2: When will schools reopen after winter holidays?

Schools will reopen on 20 January 2026 (Monday).

Q3: Does the holiday extension apply to private schools?

Yes. The notification applies to both public and private institutions.

Q4: Is there any chance of further extension?

As of now, no further extension has been announced. Any update will depend on weather conditions and official decisions.

Q5: Why was the extension necessary?

Due to extreme cold, fog, and health safety concerns for students and staff.