Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has confirmed the Christmas vacation schedule for schools in Kerala, granting students an extended 12-day holiday this year. According to the General Education Department, schools will remain closed from December 24 and reopen on January 5.

The revised schedule follows changes to the half-yearly examination timetable prompted by the local body elections held on December 9 and 11. Examinations, which begin on December 15, will now conclude on December 23, and schools will close the following day. Classes will resume on January 5.

Under the original 2025–26 academic calendar, half-yearly exams were slated for December 11–18, with schools scheduled to close for Christmas holidays on December 19 and reopen on December 29. However, polling days coincided with two exam dates, forcing the department to push back the examinations and adjust the vacation period.

This year’s break gives students two extra days compared with the usual 10-day Christmas holiday.

With weekends factored in, students typically attend classes for only half of December; the election-related changes have further increased the number of days off. Schools designated as centres for storing and distributing voting machines may receive additional holidays based on administrative requirements.

The circular detailing the updated schedule has been issued to Deputy Directors of Education, Regional Directors, DIET principals, district and sub-district education officers, and heads of all schools.