Cold wave alert: Schools shut in Bihar and Jharkhand on these days

Schools in Bihar and Jharkhand will remain closed over the next few days as severe cold wave conditions continue, prompting authorities to act amid concerns over children’s health.

Jharkhand schools closed till December 31

In Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi, all government and private schools from kindergarten to Class 12 have been ordered to suspend classes until December 31. The decision follows a yellow alert issued for the city, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting persistently low temperatures and fog.

Ranchi is expected to record a minimum temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius on December 28, rising slightly to about 10 degrees Celsius by December 31, accompanied by moderate fog.

“Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, all government, non-government and private schools operating within Ranchi district are directed to suspend classes from KG to Class 12 from December 27 to December 31, 2025,” the district education office said in its order.

Bihar shuts schools up to Class 8

In Bihar, the Patna district administration has announced the closure of all government and private schools, including Anganwadi Kendras and pre-schools, up to Class 8 until December 30. The move comes as Patna continues to experience very low temperatures.

District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. said the decision was taken due to concerns that the prevailing cold could adversely affect the health and safety of children.

“Due to severe prevailing low temperature, health and life of children may get adversely affected,” the order stated.

Limited timings for senior classes

Classes for students from Class 9 to Class 12 in Patna will continue but with restricted timings, from 10 am to 3.30 pm. Pre-board and board examinations, along with special classes related to them, will be conducted as scheduled and are exempt from the closure order.

Authorities in both states said the situation would continue to be monitored, with further decisions dependent on weather conditions.