Hey readers! With the severe cold wave and dense fog hitting northern India hard in late December 2025, many states have extended school and college winter holidays 2025-2026 to keep students safe. The focus is on regions where educational institutions stay fully closed until mid-January due to extreme weather. This post covers the latest updates on winter vacation extensions, why these closures are happening, and the key states affected. If you’re searching for schools closed till January 15 2026 or college winter break due to cold wave, here’s the complete breakdown!
Why Are Winter Holidays Extended Till January 15, 2026?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave alerts across northern India, with temperatures dropping sharply and dense fog reducing visibility. This poses risks like respiratory issues and accidents for students commuting early. Governments prioritize safety, leading to uniform closures in some states. While most winter breaks align with Christmas/New Year, extreme conditions in 2025-2026 have pushed extensions, especially in Delhi-NCR and aligned areas.
These States Where Schools and Colleges Remain Closed Till January 15, 2026
Based on official notifications (as of late December 2025), closures apply to government, private, aided, and affiliated institutions. Colleges and universities often follow school guidelines in these regions. Here’s the list of states with confirmed or aligned extensions till January 15:
- Delhi: All schools and colleges closed from January 1 to January 15, 2026. The Directorate of Education cites dense fog and cold wave for this 15-day break. Universities like Delhi University align similarly.
- Haryana: Uniform statewide closure from January 1 to January 15, 2026, coordinating with Delhi-NCR. This includes government, private, and recognized schools/colleges.
- Uttar Pradesh (select districts): In NCR areas like Noida/Ghaziabad, extensions for lower classes till mid-January; statewide primary schools often closed till January 1-15 in cold-affected zones.
- Punjab: Winter vacation extended in some areas due to cold wave, with many schools/colleges closed till early-mid January (reopening around January 10-15).
- Rajasthan: Districts with severe cold extend breaks for classes up to 8 till January 14-15; statewide winter holidays overlap into mid-January.
- Bihar: Several districts (e.g., Patna) keep schools closed or restricted till early-mid January; extensions possible for colleges amid alerts.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Prolonged closures in winter zones (till February/March for lower classes), covering till January 15 and beyond.
- Himachal Pradesh: Altitude zones see extensions into mid-January due to snowfall and cold wave.
- Uttarakhand: Districts like Dehradun extend holidays till early-mid January.
- Madhya Pradesh (northern parts): Some extensions into mid-January in colder regions.
These mainly impact northern states; southern regions have shorter breaks ending early January.
What About Colleges and Universities?
In Delhi, Haryana, and NCR-aligned states, colleges/universities typically follow school closures or shift to online mode till January 15. Institutions like state universities in Punjab and UP may have independent schedules but often extend for safety.
Tips for Students and Parents During the Break
- Stay updated via official school/college websites or district portals.
- Use the time for revision, especially board exam prep.
- Monitor IMD weather alerts and dress warmly.
- Some higher classes may have online sessions.
In short, the cold wave school closures have led to extended winter holidays 2025-2026 in these states, with full shutdowns till January 15 mainly in Delhi, Haryana, and parts of UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, and others. Stay safe, enjoy the break, and check local updates!