Winter Timings Announced for All Public and Private Schools Across Punjab

The Government of Punjab has officially announced the new winter timings for all public and private schools across the province. According to the notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department, these timings will be effective from October 16, 2025, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026. The revised schedule applies to boys’ and girls’ schools, covering both single-shift and double-shift institutions.

This change aims to ensure the safety and comfort of students and teachers during the cold months of the year while maintaining a balanced academic routine. The new schedule reflects the government’s efforts to minimize exposure to harsh weather conditions in the early mornings when temperatures drop significantly.

New Winter School Timings in Punjab (2025–2026)

Single Shift Schools (Boys)

According to the official schedule, boys’ schools operating in a single shift will start at 8:45 AM and close at 2:45 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, classes will end earlier at 12:30 PM to accommodate the Friday prayer schedule.

Single Shift Schools (Girls)

For girls’ schools, the timing has been slightly adjusted to start 15 minutes earlier. Classes will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude at 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays, schools will end at 12:15 PM.

Double Shift Schools (Boys)

Schools that operate in two shifts have been given separate timings for morning and evening sessions.

• Morning Shift: 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM (Monday to Thursday) and up to 12:30 PM on Fridays.

• Afternoon/Evening Shift: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), while on Fridays, the shift will run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Double Shift Schools (Girls)

The schedule for girls’ double-shift schools has been arranged as follows:

• Morning Shift: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Monday to Thursday) and up to 12:15 PM on Fridays.

• Afternoon Shift: 12:45 PM to 4:45 PM (Monday to Thursday), and on Fridays, from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM.

Purpose Behind the New Schedule

Officials from the Punjab School Education Department stated that the decision was made after consulting meteorological experts and educational boards. The goal is to protect children from the severe cold during early morning hours and to maintain the overall quality of education by minimizing disruptions caused by the weather.

The winter season in Punjab typically brings fog, low temperatures, and reduced visibility, especially during morning hours. To address these challenges, the department has decided to start school activities later than usual to ensure that students, particularly those traveling long distances, can reach their schools safely.

Implementation and Compliance

The department has directed all District Education Authorities (DEAs) to ensure strict compliance with the new schedule. Private schools have also been instructed to follow the official timings, and any violation may result in administrative action or penalties.

Moreover, school heads have been advised to ensure that heating arrangements are made in classrooms where possible and that students are encouraged to wear warm uniforms. Parents have also been urged to send children in season-appropriate clothing to prevent health issues during the winter months.

Public and Parental Response

Parents across Punjab have welcomed the new timing schedule, appreciating the government’s concern for students’ health and safety. Many parents noted that in recent years, thick fog and freezing mornings made travel to school difficult and risky for young students.

However, some working parents have expressed mild concern about managing pick-and-drop schedules with the revised timings. Despite this, most agree that the changes were necessary for the well-being of children during the harsh winter period.

Expert Opinions

Education experts have also supported the initiative, stating that adjusting school hours according to seasonal changes is a practical step that ensures minimal learning loss while prioritizing student safety. According to experts, such time adjustments can also improve attendance rates, as students are more likely to attend classes when the schedule aligns better with daily temperatures and daylight hours.

Winter Timings Tradition in Punjab

It is a common practice in Punjab for school timings to change twice a year — once for summer and once for winter. The summer schedule typically begins in April and runs until October, with earlier start times to avoid the afternoon heat. The winter schedule, on the other hand, allows for a later start to avoid the early morning cold.

Every year, the Punjab Education Department issues an official notification regarding these timing changes, ensuring consistency across both public and private sectors.

Summary of the New Winter Timings (2025–2026)

The Punjab government’s new winter school timings reflect a thoughtful approach to ensuring students’ comfort, safety, and academic continuity during the cold season. By implementing these changes from October 16, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the Education Department aims to create a more student-friendly learning environment that prioritizes both health and education.

With these winter school hours, the province reaffirms its commitment to providing quality education under safe and adaptable conditions for every child across Punjab.