Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 12:50 IST

With temperatures soaring, school timings have been revised across several states to protect students. Some districts have shortened hours, while others have ordered closures

Rising temperatures have prompted authorities across Delhi-NCR and several states to revise school timings and introduce heat safety measures for students.

With temperatures climbing sharply as early as April, authorities across Delhi-NCR and several states have begun revising school schedules and introducing heat protection measures for students. The early surge in mercury has also raised the possibility of changes to summer vacation schedules and even earlier holiday announcements in some regions if conditions worsen.

To shield children from extreme heat exposure, district administrations have rolled out revised school timings, hydration protocols and, in some places, even temporary closures.

Delhi Schools Focus On Heat Protection Measures

In Delhi, while no blanket revision in school timings has been announced so far, the government has begun implementing precautionary measures to protect students from heat-related illnesses.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said schoolchildren may be provided ORS solution before leaving school to help prevent dehydration during their commute home, especially during the hottest part of the day.

According to the Directorate of Education’s academic calendar, summer vacation in Delhi schools is scheduled from May 11 to June 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, schools in the capital have been asked to follow several key safeguards:

• Mandatory hydration breaks are to be ensured by ringing a bell every 45 to 60 minutes.
• Outdoor assemblies, sports and physical activities have been suspended between 11 am and 4 pm.
• Schools have been directed to provide ORS solution to students before dispersal.

These steps are aimed at reducing heat stress as Delhi faces intensifying summer conditions.

Noida Revises School Hours Amid Heatwave

In Gautam Buddh Nagar, the District Magistrate has ordered revised timings for all schools in Noida to safeguard students’ health during the ongoing heatwave.

Under the new schedule, classes will run from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, effective April 27, 2026, and the arrangement will remain in force until further orders.

The directive applies to all educational institutions in the district, including:

• Council schools
• Private schools
• Non-government institutions
• Schools affiliated with all recognised education boards

Authorities have stressed that compliance is mandatory, calling the move essential to protect children from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Ghaziabad Also Shifts To Morning Schedule

Similar measures have been introduced in neighbouring Ghaziabad, where the district administration has revised school hours for younger students.

From Monday, April 27, all schools in the district for nursery to Class 8 will operate only from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The order covers:

• Government schools
• CBSE schools
• ICSE schools
• Other institutions under district jurisdiction

The directive has been issued under the District Magistrate’s instructions through the District Basic Education Officer, with block-level officials directed to ensure strict implementation across the district.

Patna Limits Classes For Primary Students

In Bihar’s Patna, the district administration has also taken precautionary steps in response to the heatwave.

Schools for Classes 1 to 8 have been directed to function only till 11:30 am, with the order taking effect from April 27.

The shortened schedule is intended to reduce students’ exposure during the hotter afternoon hours.

Dehradun Orders School Closure

In Uttarakhand, authorities have taken an even stronger step. The Dehradun district administration has ordered the closure of all schools from April 27 due to severe and persistent heatwave conditions.

The closure applies to:

• Government schools
• Private schools
• Non-government schools
• Classes 1 to 12
• All Anganwadi centres in the district

The move reflects concerns over sustained high temperatures and their impact on children’s health.

Rajasthan Districts Revise Timings

In Rajasthan, districts have also begun altering school hours. In Sikar, the district administration has directed schools from pre-primary to Class 8 to operate between 7:30 am and 11:30 am with immediate effect.

In Ajmer, morning classes from primary level to Class 8 will now run from 7:30 am to 12 noon, beginning April 27.

These changes are aimed at avoiding peak daytime heat while allowing classes to continue.

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