Punjab Announces New School Timings & Mandatory Teacher Training from January 19, 2026

Punjab Announces New School Timings & Mandatory Teacher Training from January 19, 2026

The Government of Punjab has officially overhauled the daily schedule for its vast network of government schools, introducing revised working hours and mandatory professional development for teachers in a bid to elevate academic standards. According to an official notification from the Punjab School Education Department , the new timings will be effective from Monday, January 19, 2026 , and will remain in force until April 15, 2026 .

This strategic shift aims to optimize instructional time, systematize teacher training, and clarify the academic calendar following the winter break.

Revised School Timings: A Detailed Breakdown

The notification, circulated to all district education authorities, clearly delineates the schedule for single-shift and double-shift institutions across the province.

For single-shift schools , the teaching hours from Monday to Thursday are set from 10:00 AM to 2:15 PM . On Fridays, classes will run for a shorter duration, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM , aligning with cultural and religious norms.

Double-shift schools will operate under a structured two-session system. The morning shift will commence at 10:00 AM and conclude at 2:00 PM . Subsequently, the afternoon shift will begin at 2:15 PM and end at 4:45 PM , ensuring a smooth transition and efficient use of infrastructure.

Mandatory Professional Development for Teachers

A significant component of the new policy mandates teacher involvement in developmental activities. From Monday to Thursday, educators are required to participate in curriculum preparation, training workshops, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs. This dedicated time is designed to enhance pedagogical skills and ensure uniform curriculum delivery.

Furthermore, the department has instituted a policy requiring teachers to attend school on alternate Saturdays . These sessions will focus on improving teaching methodologies, reviewing curriculum objectives, and collaborative planning, directly aiming to boost classroom effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

Official Rationale: Boosting Performance and Standards

In its communique, the School Education Department stated that the recalibrated schedule is fundamentally “aimed at improving students' academic performance and providing teachers with more training and preparation opportunities.” The department has emphatically urged all teachers, students, and administrative staff to adhere strictly to the new timetable to foster a more disciplined and productive academic environment.

“The integration of structured CPD within the regular week is a transformative step,” commented a senior department official on condition of anonymity. “It moves teacher development from an ad-hoc activity to an institutionalized priority, which is crucial for long-term quality enhancement.”

Winter Vacation Clarification: No Further Extension

The notification follows a firm clarification by Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat , regarding the winter vacation period. Minister Hayat categorically rejected all speculation about any further extension of winter holidays for educational institutions.

He confirmed that the winter vacation cycle, which began on December 20 , afforded students a total of 30 days off . With 27 days already utilized, all government and private schools across Punjab are mandated to reopen on January 19, 2026 .

“The decision to reopen is based on careful review and consultation,” Minister Hayat asserted. He elaborated that his department, in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Department of Environment , analyzed detailed weather forecasts and temperature data for the coming weeks. “Considering the upcoming weather conditions, it is deemed appropriate for schools to resume normal operations,” he stated, urging parents to ensure their children’s punctual return to classrooms.

Parents Reactions and Implementation Challenges

While the policy is framed for systemic improvement, its on-ground implementation presents logistical challenges. Parents’ associations have raised mixed reactions, with some welcoming the structured approach to teacher training, while others express concern over the adjusted timings, particularly for working families and younger children in the afternoon shifts.

Teacher unions have acknowledged the importance of CPD but seek clarity on compensation and resources for the additional alternate Saturday engagements. “Professional development is welcome, but it must be supported with adequate materials, fair workload adjustment, and consideration for teachers’ time,” stated a representative from a major teachers’ association.

Looking Ahead

The Punjab School Education Department has directed all heads of institutions to ensure seamless compliance with the new schedule. The period from January 19 to April 15, 2026 , will serve as a critical pilot phase, potentially informing future academic calendar policies.

As schools across Punjab reopen their gates today, the education landscape in the province enters a phase of structured reform, with a clear emphasis on leveraging time and teacher competency as primary tools for educational advancement.