Schools closed across India as cold wave intensifies: Check state-wise list

As a severe cold wave hits parts of northern and eastern India, state officials have ordered mass school closures to protect students from falling temperatures, dense fog and other hazards. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand are among the states that have announced a shutdown or extended holidays till late December and early January.

Citing safety concerns due to early morning fog and extreme cold, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered all schools up to Class 12, including CBSE, ICSE and UP Board institutions, to remain closed till January 1, 2026.

With instructions to ensure that vulnerable people receive adequate support during this severe weather,

Authorities are active in enforcing the shutdown and monitoring conditions.

“In view of the cold wave/dense fog in Lucknow district and the forecast of the Meteorological Department, all government/primary and upper primary schools/aided schools/schools affiliated to all boards/Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls School and government/non-government aided schools from Pre-Primary to Class 12 will remain closed from December 29, 2025 to January 1, 2026,” Lucknow District Magistrate told the Uttar Pradesh government. Wrote in a letter.

Orders regarding schools. pic.twitter.com/ftCW4E1UeC

– DM Lucknow (@AdminLKO) 28 December 2025

Along with the closure, the UP government is supporting the winter relief initiative. Authorities have set up more than 1,200 night shelters with beds, lights and hot water to help homeless people affected by sub-zero temperatures.

Apart from this, the government also distributed lakhs of blankets. Bonfires and other warming stations are being maintained in public places to reduce the risk of cold.

Here is the list of states where schools are closed till December 31:

Jharkhand

Apart from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand has also announced that schools in places like Ranchi will remain closed till December 31 due to the continued drop in temperatures. This applies to government and private institutions from kindergarten to class 12.

The district education office issued an order saying, “All government, non-government and private schools in Ranchi district are directed to suspend classes from KG to class 12 from December 27 to December 31, 2025 under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code.”

Bihar

Many district governments in Bihar have changed school timetables or kept schools closed for longer periods. For example, government and private schools up to class 8 in Patna will remain closed till December 30. School hours may be changed in higher grades to reduce exposure to cold. Nalanda, Saharsa and Bhojpur districts have received similar instructions.

Una, Himachal Pradesh

Una District Disaster Management Authority Chairman and Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has issued an order and changed the schedule of schools in the district.

As per the rules, Anganwadi centers will operate from 10 am to 3:00 pm from December 29 to January 31, while other government and private educational institutions from pre-primary to senior secondary will operate from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Jammu and Kashmir

There was a long shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir due to extreme cold. Classes 1 to 8 were expected to be closed from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, while classes 9 to 12 were expected to be closed from approximately December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026.

Punjab

Winter vacations in Punjab began on December 22 and will reportedly last till early January (approximately January 10, 2026).