J&K schools to shut for winter; Pre-primary to class 12 holiday dates issued

Jammu and Kashmir: The School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has declared winter holidays for all schools in the winter zone of Jammu and for government and recognised private institutions in the Kashmir division up to the higher secondary level.

The announcement follows a sharp drop in temperatures across Kashmir, with the region recording readings several degrees below freezing over the past week.

Which classes will break for winter and when?

According to the order, students in Pre-primary (Balvatika) will begin their holiday today, 26 November, and return on 28 February 2026.

For pupils in Classes 1 to 8, the break will start on 1 December and will also continue until 28 February 2026.

Students studying in Classes 9 to 12 will begin their vacation on 11 December, with classes resuming on 22 February 2026.

The official circular also notes that teachers must remain available throughout the holiday period for any academic work. It further states that staff are required to report to school from 20 February 2025 to prepare for reopening.

How cold has Kashmir been?

Kashmir has been facing severe cold weather in recent days. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus three degree Celsius on Tuesday.

Every year, the region goes through a forty-day spell of intense winter known locally as Chillai Kalan, which lasts from 21 December to 30 January.

During this period, many lakes, streams and rivers in the Valley freeze either partly or completely, as night temperatures often fall to between minus 5 and minus 7 degree Celsius. The difference between day and night temperatures also becomes noticeably smaller during these weeks.

When will schools reopen?

Schools up to Class 8 are set to reopen on 1 March next year, while older students will return a week earlier on 22 February.