School Opening Notification and Timing 2026 Today
The Punjab Education Department has issued its final and official notification confirming that all schools across Punjab will reopen from January 19, 2026, with revised timings starting at 10:00 AM to safeguard students from extreme cold and dense morning fog.
Authorities have clearly instructed schools to strictly follow the notified schedule, warning against early openings or unauthorized changes.
Official School Timings (Punjab) — Final Notification
According to the latest directive, schools will operate under the following schedule:
| School Type | Monday to Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| Single Shift Schools | 10:00 AM – 2:15 PM | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Double Shift (Morning) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Double Shift (Evening) | 2:15 PM – 4:45 PM | 2:15 PM – 4:45 PM |
📌 Key Order: No school is allowed to open before 10:00 AM under any circumstances.
Important Guidelines for Students and Parents
Uniform Flexibility (Officially Approved)
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has instructed all school heads to remain lenient regarding uniforms.
- Students may wear any warm clothing (sweaters, jackets, coats)
- No restriction on color or style during cold weather
- Student health and warmth are the top priority
Teacher Attendance & Training
A new operational directive has also been issued for teaching staff:
- Teachers must attend school on alternate Saturdays
- Purpose:
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Curriculum planning
- Academic recovery after extended winter holidays
Strict District-Level Enforcement
- District CEOs have been ordered to ensure full compliance
- Any school opening before 10:00 AM may face administrative action
- Monitoring teams will oversee implementation across districts
Status of Other Provinces — Quick Comparison
For parents and students traveling or studying outside Punjab, here is a brief regional overview:
Sindh
- Schools are already open
- Revised timing: 9:00 AM start
- Current schedule valid until January 26, 2026
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
- Plain Areas: Schools reopening on January 16 / January 19, with 9:00 AM start
- Winter Zones: Schools in hilly and snowy regions remain closed until February 28, 2026
Warning About Fake Notifications
Education authorities have issued a clear warning:
- ❌ Ignore WhatsApp forwards claiming further holiday extensions
- ❌ No early-morning reopening allowed
- ✅ The 10:00 AM start time is final and officially approved
Any future change will be announced only through official government notifications.
Bottom Line
- Punjab schools reopen January 19, 2026
- 10:00 AM start time is mandatory
- Uniform flexibility allowed
- Teachers to attend alternate Saturdays
- No further extensions or timing changes announced
