Winter vacation is one of the most exciting breaks for students across India. It comes after months of studies and exams, giving students time to relax, celebrate Christmas and the New Year, and enjoy the winter season with family.
For the academic year 2025–26, winter vacation dates are announced state-wise and school-wise. Schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, state boards, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and PM Shri Schools follow slightly different schedules depending on weather and government orders.
This article gives you a clear, student-friendly, and updated overview of:
State-wise winter vacation dates
Board-wise holiday patterns
Expected duration of holidays
Important points parents and students should know
Important Highlights – Winter Vacation 2025–26
Winter vacations usually begin between mid-December and late December
Duration ranges from 10 to 20 days
In colder regions (like Jammu & Kashmir), holidays can extend up to 2–3 months
Schools reopen mostly in early January 2026
Final confirmation always comes from individual schools or state education departments
State-Wise School Winter Vacation Dates 2025–26 (Expected)
Note: These dates are based on official announcements and past trends. Some schools may revise them due to weather conditions.
Board & State-Wise Detailed Winter Vacation Information
Winter Break in Uttar Pradesh Schools 2025–26
Schools under the UP Board will remain closed from December 20 to December 31, 2025. Schools will reopen on January 1, 2026.
Total holiday duration: 12 days
Some districts may extend holidays due to extreme cold or fog
Winter Break in Punjab Schools 2025–26
The Punjab government has announced winter holidays from December 21 to December 31, 2025.
Applicable to government, private, aided, and recognized schools
Reopening may depend on weather conditions
Winter Vacation in Delhi Schools 2025–26
Delhi schools will observe winter break from December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
Holidays may be extended due to cold waves or air pollution
Schools will inform parents through official notices or WhatsApp messages
Winter Vacation in Haryana Schools 2025–26
Haryana schools will have winter holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2026.
Revised winter school timings: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Some private schools may start holidays earlier
Winter Vacation in Kerala Schools 2025–26
Kerala schools will remain closed from December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Schools reopen on January 5, 2026
Total holidays: 12 days
Winter Vacation in Rajasthan Schools 2025–26
Both government and private schools in Rajasthan will observe winter vacation from December 25, 2025 to January 5, 2026.
Total holiday duration: 12 days
Winter Vacation in Madhya Pradesh Schools 2025–26
Schools under the MP Board will begin winter holidays from December 25, 2025.
Reopening date will be announced by individual schools
Expected reopening: First week of January 2026
Winter Vacation in Jammu & Kashmir Schools 2025–26
Due to severe winter conditions, J&K schools follow a long winter break:
Classes 1–8: December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Classes 9–12: December 11, 2025 to February 22, 2026
Pre-Primary: November 26, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Kendriya Vidyalaya Winter Vacation 2025–26
Most KV regions will observe winter break from December 23, 2025 to January 1 or January 11, 2026
Regions with extreme cold get longer holidays
Holiday duration varies by region
PM Shri Schools Winter Vacation 2025–26
PM Shri Schools will remain closed from December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
Schools reopen on January 2, 2026
Important Information Students & Parents Should Know
Always follow official school circulars
Holiday dates may change due to weather alerts
Online classes are rare during winter vacations
Schools may conduct extra classes after reopening
FAQs on School Winter Vacation Dates 2025–26: CBSE, ICSE & State-Wise Holidays (Complete Guide)
1. Are winter vacation dates same for CBSE and ICSE schools?
No. Dates depend on state government orders and school management decisions.
2. Can winter holidays be extended?
Yes, especially in North India due to cold waves or fog.
3. When will schools reopen after winter vacation 2025–26?
Most schools reopen between January 1 and January 15, 2026.
4. How long is the winter vacation for schools in India?
Winter vacation usually lasts 10 to 20 days, but in colder regions like Jammu & Kashmir, it can extend for 2–3 months.
5. Will online classes be conducted during winter vacation?
Generally, no online classes are held during winter vacation. However, some schools may assign holiday homework or revision tasks.
6. Are winter vacations compulsory for all schools?
Yes, most government and private schools follow winter vacation orders issued by the state education department, but dates may vary slightly.
7. Do Kendriya Vidyalaya schools follow the same winter vacation dates?
No. Kendriya Vidyalayas follow region-wise schedules, and winter vacation duration may differ based on climatic conditions.
8. Will schools reopen if the weather is still very cold?
Schools may delay reopening if severe cold conditions continue. Updated notices are usually shared by schools.
9. Where can students check the official winter vacation notice?
Students should check:
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School notice boards
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Official school websites
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Messages from class teachers or school WhatsApp groups
10. Does winter vacation affect board exam schedules?
No. Winter vacations do not affect board exam dates. Exams are scheduled separately by the respective boards.
11. Are winter vacations different for primary and senior classes?
Yes. In some states (like Jammu & Kashmir), primary classes get longer winter breaks compared to senior classes.
12. Can private schools change winter vacation dates?
Private schools may slightly adjust dates, but they usually follow state government guidelines.
