Punjab Announces New Winter School Timings 2025-26 for All Public Schools

The Government of the Punjab, School Education Department, has officially issued a new notification announcing the revised school timings for all public schools across the province. The new schedule will come into effect from October 27, 2025, and will remain in force until April 15, 2026, marking the winter schedule for both students and teachers.

According to the official notification (SO(A-1)1-31/2025), approved by the competent authority, the timings have been adjusted in view of the upcoming winter season to facilitate students, teachers, and staff. The directive applies to all public schools in Punjab, including both single-shift and double-shift institutions.

Revised School Timings for Students

The notification divides the timing schedule into two main categories — Single Shift and Double Shift/After Noon Shift.

For Single-Shift Schools:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM

• Friday: 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM

These timings are applicable to schools that operate a single shift throughout the day. The adjustment ensures that students can attend classes comfortably during the shorter daylight hours of winter.

For Double-Shift or After-Noon Schools:

The morning and afternoon shifts have been carefully scheduled to maintain uniformity across the province.

Morning Shift:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM

• Friday: 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM

After Noon/Evening Shift:

• Monday to Thursday: 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

• Friday: 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

This change aims to ensure that schools operating in multiple shifts can continue their academic activities smoothly without overlapping schedules.

Revised Timings for Teachers

The Punjab School Education Department has also outlined new timings for teachers, ensuring alignment with student schedules while allowing time for professional development and academic planning.

For Single-Shift Schools:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM

• Friday: 08:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Teachers will use this time for resource preparation, lesson planning, and professional development activities.

For Double-Shift/After-Noon Schools:

Morning Shift:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM

• Friday: 08:30 AM to 12:30 PM

After Noon/Evening Shift:

• Monday to Thursday: 12:45 PM to 04:00 PM

• Friday: 01:45 PM to 04:00 PM

Additionally, teachers will be required to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), trainings, and co-curricular activities. The notification also mentions that all teachers of morning and afternoon shifts will contribute to academic planning and student development initiatives during these hours.

Saturday Timings and Additional Guidelines

The School Education Department has also included special instructions regarding alternate Saturdays, where teachers will attend school from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. These sessions will be dedicated to planning, training, and co-curricular engagements, ensuring ongoing development of both teaching staff and students.

Furthermore, the notification instructs Chief Executive Officers (DEAs) of all districts in Punjab to ensure strict compliance with the new timings. Each DEA has also been authorized to make a 15-minute adjustment in the opening and closing times for boys’ and girls’ schools, if required, depending on local conditions in each district.

Objective Behind the Change

The shift in school timings comes as part of the provincial government’s seasonal adjustment policy. Every year, the Punjab government modifies school schedules to accommodate the change in daylight hours and ensure a safe, convenient, and effective learning environment during winter months.

According to education officials, this decision was made keeping in view the comfort and safety of students, especially during foggy mornings and colder days expected in the coming months. The new timings also allow teachers additional time for lesson planning and capacity-building exercises.

Department’s Emphasis on Implementation

Secretary of the School Education Department, Khalid Nazir Wattoo (PAS), signed the notification and emphasized that all concerned authorities must ensure timely and strict enforcement of the revised schedule. He also highlighted the importance of professional development activities for teachers and effective utilization of school hours.

The department has instructed all District Education Authorities (DEAs) to monitor compliance at the school level and report any irregularities. Schools are also expected to display the updated timings prominently on their notice boards to inform students and parents.

Public Response and Awareness

The announcement has been well-received by parents and teachers across Punjab, who appreciate the government’s timely action in adapting school schedules to seasonal conditions. Many parents have expressed relief, stating that the later start time will allow children to avoid early morning cold and fog, ensuring better attendance and punctuality.

Education experts have also praised the government’s inclusion of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the teacher schedule, noting that it will help improve teaching quality and classroom management.

Key Highlights

• Effective Dates: October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026

• Morning Shift (Students): 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri)

• Afternoon Shift (Students): 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Fri)

• Teacher CPD Timings: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM (Single Shift)

• Alternate Saturdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• 15-Minute Adjustment Allowed: For boys’ and girls’ schools in each district

• Effective Dates: October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026

• Morning Shift (Students): 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri)

• Afternoon Shift (Students): 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Fri)

• Teacher CPD Timings: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM (Single Shift)

• Alternate Saturdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• 15-Minute Adjustment Allowed: For boys’ and girls’ schools in each district

• Effective Dates: October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026

• Morning Shift (Students): 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri)

• Afternoon Shift (Students): 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Fri)

• Teacher CPD Timings: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM (Single Shift)

• Alternate Saturdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• 15-Minute Adjustment Allowed: For boys’ and girls’ schools in each district

• Effective Dates: October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026

• Morning Shift (Students): 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri)

• Afternoon Shift (Students): 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Fri)

• Teacher CPD Timings: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM (Single Shift)

• Alternate Saturdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• 15-Minute Adjustment Allowed: For boys’ and girls’ schools in each district

Effective Dates: October 27, 2025, to April 15, 2026

Morning Shift (Students): 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 08:45 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri)

Afternoon Shift (Students): 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM (Fri)

Teacher CPD Timings: 08:30 AM to 02:00 PM (Single Shift)

Alternate Saturdays: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

15-Minute Adjustment Allowed: For boys’ and girls’ schools in each district