Every year, parents in north India ask the same question in December: when does winter vacation start? For the 2026-27 session, most state education departments have not yet issued their winter break orders. This guide shows the dates announced last year (2025-26), what to expect this year, and how district cold-wave closures work. We will update it as official circulars come in.
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Winter vacation 2026-27: expected dates by state
| State / school type | 2025-26 winter break (as announced) | What to expect in 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DoE) | 1–15 January 2026 | Likely around 1–15 January 2027; DoE has used this window in recent years |
| Haryana | 1–15 January 2026 | Likely around 1–15 January 2027 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Late December (a 12-day break in the UP academic calendar), later extended in many districts due to cold | Late December to early January, with district-level extensions likely |
| Punjab | Reported as 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026 (reports varied) | Late December to early January |
| Madhya Pradesh | From 23 December 2025 into early January | Around Christmas to the first week of January |
| Odisha | 23–31 December 2025, reopening 1 January 2026 | Similar short Christmas–New Year break |
| Jammu & Kashmir (winter zone) | Long winter break: pre-primary to Class 8 resumed in March 2026; Classes 9–12 from late February | A similar long winter break in the winter zone |
| Himachal Pradesh | Depends on zone: winter-closing schools have a long break; others a short Christmas–New Year break | Same pattern |
| Kendriya Vidyalayas / PM SHRI | About 10 days, 23 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 (summer-closing KVs) | A similar 10-day break around Christmas–New Year |
| Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka | Short Christmas break; closures mainly for rain | Short Christmas break |
“What to expect” is based on previous years and is not official. Always follow your state education department and your school’s circular.
Why dates change after they are announced
In north India, winter vacation often gets extended at short notice. District Magistrates can close schools or change school timings during a cold wave or dense fog, usually for younger classes first. In January 2026, for example, several districts in Delhi-NCR, UP and Punjab extended closures beyond the original dates. In Delhi-NCR, pollution measures under GRAP can also move primary classes online.
Private schools generally have to follow district orders on closures and timings, but their own winter break can differ slightly from government schools. Check your school app or SMS rather than social media forwards.
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Board exam students: what happens during the break
- Pre-boards: many CBSE schools hold pre-board exams in December and January. Class 10 and 12 students may have revision or remedial classes even during the break.
- Practicals: CBSE Class 12 practicals are held in November–December in winter-bound schools and January–February in others.
- Main exams: CBSE board exams are expected from mid-February 2027. Read our update on the CBSE 2027 date sheet.
How to plan the winter break
- Book travel only after your school confirms dates; extensions usually come at the last minute.
- Keep a light routine: 1–2 hours of revision a day for older children, reading and play for younger ones.
- Finish winter homework in the first week so the last days are free.
- If you are planning a school change for 2027-28, use the break to visit schools; most private schools are already taking registrations. See our 2027-28 admission guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will winter vacation 2026-27 start in Delhi?
The Delhi Directorate of Education has not announced it yet. In 2025-26 the winter break ran from 1 to 15 January, so a similar window in January 2027 is likely.
Do private schools follow the government winter vacation?
They usually follow district orders on cold-wave closures and timings, but their own winter break may differ by a few days. Check your school’s circular.
Do Kendriya Vidyalayas have a winter vacation?
Yes. Summer-closing KVs and PM SHRI schools had about a 10-day break from 23 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. Winter-closing KVs in cold regions follow a different calendar.
Can winter vacation be extended?
Yes. District Magistrates often extend closures or change timings during cold waves and dense fog, especially for younger classes.
Will Class 10 and 12 students get the full winter break?
Not always. Many schools hold pre-boards, practicals or revision classes for board classes in December and January.
