Chandigarh: The Punjab government has announced revised operating hours for all government schools across the state, taking into account the seasonal shift in weather. Under the updated directive, educational institutions will adopt a delayed morning schedule beginning October 1, 2026.
Under the new schedule, all primary, middle, high, and senior secondary schools will function from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. This marks a half-hour shift from the earlier operational hours, during which classes commenced at 8:00 a.m. and concluded at 2:00 p.m. State educational authorities noted that the adjustment aims to accommodate milder morning conditions as autumn sets in across the region. The new routine is slated to stay in place for one month, remaining effective from October 1 through October 31, 2026, after which standard winter adjustments may be reviewed based on prevailing weather patterns.
All district education officers and school heads have been instructed to ensure seamless adherence to the revised schedule across urban and rural institutions alike.
