Summer school holidays across several Indian states have been extended or rescheduled as authorities respond to intensifying heatwave conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Temperatures in parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Telangana have already crossed 45 degrees Celsius, prompting state governments and district administrations to either close schools early or shift classes to morning hours.
The revised measures apply to CBSE, ICSE, government and private schools. Authorities have also advised children and senior citizens to avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat.
States revise school schedules amid rising temperatures
Several states have already implemented changes to their academic calendars and school timings.
In West Bengal, schools in multiple districts have been closed, though institutions in Darjeeling and Kalimpong remain exempt due to cooler weather conditions.
Punjab is implementing phased school closures depending on district-wise heat conditions, while Odisha advanced summer vacations from April 27 after approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Schools in Chhattisgarh have remained closed from April 20 and are scheduled to reopen on June 15. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh declared holidays from April 24 to June 11 and warned private institutions against conducting classes during the vacation period.
In parts of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and NCR regions including Noida and Ghaziabad, schools have shifted to morning schedules, typically operating between 7 am and noon to reduce students’ exposure to extreme afternoon temperatures.
Authorities in Rajasthan and several NCR districts have also adopted revised timings as heatwave conditions continue across North and Central India.
Why children often struggle after long summer vacations
Experts say many children face difficulties readjusting to school routines after extended summer breaks due to major disruptions in daily schedules during holidays.
During vacations, students often begin sleeping late, waking up later in the morning and spending more time on leisure activities, travel and unrestricted play.
The return to school also means readjusting to homework, examinations, classroom discipline and fixed schedules after weeks away from academics. For many children, disrupted sleep patterns make early morning school routines especially difficult during the first few weeks after reopening.
Psychologists also note that long holidays can create strong emotional attachment to leisure activities, family outings and unstructured free time, making the transition back to regular academic life challenging for students across different age groups.
