Punjab Changes School Timings Due to Smog and Cold Weather

The Punjab government has officially revised school timings across the province as worsening smog and dropping winter temperatures raise health and safety concerns for students. The new schedule, effective from October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026, was announced by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and aims to protect students from exposure to early-morning pollution.

Under the revised schedule, single-shift schools will operate from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm, with Friday classes ending at 12:30 pm. For double-shift schools, the first shift will run from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm and the second shift from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Teachers are required to stay on duty from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and until 12:30 pm on Fridays, while schools will open on alternate Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

District CEOs have been granted a 15-minute adjustment margin to modify timings based on local weather conditions. Officials noted that the decision was made after reviewing smog intensity and temperature data, emphasizing that the revised schedule is part of broader efforts to reduce health risks and ensure student safety.

The Education Department of Punjab confirmed that the new timings will remain in effect until air quality and weather conditions improve, forming part of the province’s preventive measures during the smog season.