Punjab Announces New Winter School Timings 2025–26 – Check Updated Schedule for All Schools

The Punjab government has officially announced the Winter School Timings for all public and private schools across the province. According to the latest notification by the School Education Department (SED), the new schedule will come into effect from October 16, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

The revised timetable applies to all government and private institutions, including primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools. This annual adjustment is aimed at ensuring student safety and comfort during the colder months.

New Winter Timings for Punjab Schools 2025–26

As per the SED notification, school timings have been adjusted for single-shift and double-shift schools separately.

🏫 Single-Shift (Male Schools)

Male schools operating under a single shift will begin slightly later than usual to avoid early morning cold.

👩‍🏫 Single-Shift (Female Schools)

Female schools will open 15 minutes earlier and also close slightly earlier than male schools for safety and convenience.

👦 Double-Shift (Male Schools)

For double-shift male schools, afternoon sessions begin shortly after the morning shift, maintaining a smooth transition between the two.

👧 Double-Shift (Female Schools)

This schedule ensures that no student or teacher has to travel during harsh early morning or late evening cold hours.

Reason Behind the Change

Every year, Punjab faces dense fog, low temperatures, and reduced visibility during winter months. These factors make early morning travel risky for students.

By adjusting the timings, the government aims to:

• Ensure student safety during foggy mornings.
• Reduce absenteeism in rural areas.
• Maintain discipline and smooth academic flow.
• Balance academic hours while respecting daylight conditions.

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Instructions for Implementation

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has directed all District Education Authorities (DEAs) and school heads to:

• Display the new schedule clearly at school entrances.
• Notify parents through SMS and official circulars.
• Coordinate with local transport providers to align pickup/drop schedules.
• Ensure all staff follow punctuality under the revised hours.

Monitoring officers and district CEOs have been tasked with inspecting schools for compliance.

Response from Parents and Teachers

Parents across Punjab have welcomed the government’s move. Many appreciate that students—especially younger ones—won’t have to wake up before sunrise in freezing temperatures.

A parent from Faisalabad shared:

“In previous years, our children often left for school in heavy fog. This decision ensures their safety and comfort.”

Teachers also agree that starting the school day later helps both staff and students perform better academically.

Private Schools Must Comply Too

The notification clearly mentions that private institutions are equally bound to follow the government’s new winter timings. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Official warnings.
• Monetary fines.
• Disciplinary action by the Education Department.

Private schools have been urged to adjust their transport and after-school schedules accordingly.

Expected Winter Vacations 2025–26

Although the winter holidays have not yet been officially announced, they are expected to follow the same pattern as previous years. Tentative vacation dates are December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026.

The official notification regarding school closures for winter break will be issued separately in December.

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Official Statement from Education Minister

Punjab’s Minister for School Education, Dr. Rana Sikandar Hayat, said:

“Our primary goal is the safety of children. Adjusting school hours during winter ensures their protection from cold and fog while maintaining academic progress.”

He added that all school heads must ensure full compliance and cooperation with local authorities.

Additional Instructions for Schools

The Punjab School Education Department also directed that:

• Morning assemblies should be brief to minimize exposure to cold.
• Sports activities should be held after 11 AM.
• Schools must ensure heating arrangements in classrooms where feasible.
• Students should be encouraged to wear warm clothing such as sweaters, jackets, and scarves.

These small adjustments, according to the department, can have a significant impact on student health and attendance during the winter months.

District-Wise Implementation

All district CEOs (Education) have received official circulars, including those in:

• Lahore
• Rawalpindi
• Multan
• Gujranwala
• Bahawalpur
• Sargodha
• Faisalabad

Each district will issue local notices to ensure parents and teachers are informed promptly.

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Where to Verify the Official Notification

Parents and school administrators can confirm the announcement from:

• The official School Education Department Punjab website: https://schools.punjab.gov.pk
• Verified social media handles of the Punjab Government.
• District Education Offices or local education authorities.

It’s recommended to download the official circular for reference.

FAQs: Punjab School Winter Timings 2025–26

1. What are the new school timings in Punjab for winter 2025–26?

Schools will operate from 8:30–8:45 AM to 2:30–2:45 PM, depending on gender and shift type.

2. When will the winter schedule be implemented?

The winter timings will take effect from October 16, 2025, until March 31, 2026.

3. Does this apply to private schools?

Yes, both public and private schools across Punjab must follow the new timings.

4. Are winter vacations included in this schedule?

No, the vacation dates will be announced separately in December 2025.

5. What will happen if a school violates the timings?

Schools may face fines or disciplinary action under Punjab Education regulations.

Conclusion – Punjab Announces New Winter School Timings 2025–26

The Punjab School Winter Timings 2025–26 notification ensures a balanced approach between academic routine and student welfare. The new schedule prioritizes health, safety, and comfort while maintaining educational discipline.

Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to stay informed through official government platforms and fully cooperate with the implementation of these revised hours.