Chandigarh: Schools across Punjab will switch to a winter schedule from November 2, with classes starting at 9 am to accommodate the colder weather. The revised timetable will apply to government, private, aided and recognised schools throughout the state and remain in force until February 28.
Under the new arrangement, primary schools will close at 3 pm, while middle, secondary and senior secondary schools will continue until 3:20 pm. The change will affect more than 19,000 schools across Punjab.
The Education Department has introduced the revised hours as part of its seasonal scheduling system, which adjusts school operations according to changing weather conditions during the academic year.
Revised Hours for Winter Months
From November 2, students will report to school an hour later than under the October schedule. The later start is intended to take account of colder mornings as winter approaches.
The new timings will remain applicable through February 28. Schools are expected to return to a different schedule from March 1 as seasonal conditions begin to change.
Punjab Follows Three Seasonal Timetables
The state changes school timings three times during the academic session. Between April 1 and September 30, schools generally operate from 8 am to 2 pm.
During October, primary schools function from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Middle, secondary and senior secondary schools follow the same starting time but finish at 2:50 pm.
The winter timetable shifts the opening time to 9 am for all school categories. Primary classes end at 3 pm, while students in middle and higher classes remain until 3:20 pm.
Schedule to Continue Until February 28
The winter arrangement will cover schools across the state, irrespective of whether they are government-run, privately managed, aided or recognised.
The next adjustment is scheduled for March 1, when the Education Department is expected to move schools to the timetable applicable for the changing season.
Parents, students and school staff will need to follow the revised hours from November 2, with the later opening time marking the start of Punjab’s winter school schedule.
