Delhi Schools Return to Full Physical Operations
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that all schools in Delhi will immediately resume normal physical classes without any restrictions. This decision comes as a significant relief to students, parents, and educational institutions across the capital city.
The restoration of regular classroom activities follows the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) order revoking Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This change was implemented after consistent improvements in Delhi's air quality indicators over three consecutive days.
Withdrawal of Hybrid Learning Guidelines
In its latest circular, the DoE confirmed that the hybrid learning guidelines issued on November 11, 2025 have been completely withdrawn. These guidelines had previously mandated hybrid learning模式 for students up to Class 5 when pollution levels had escalated to the 'severe' category.
The earlier restrictions were implemented as a precautionary measure to protect young students from hazardous air quality conditions that had gripped the national capital.
Comprehensive Return to Offline Classes
All educational institutions including Government schools, Government-aided schools, unaided recognized private schools, and institutions under NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board must now conduct all classes exclusively in physical mode.
School heads have received instructions to immediately communicate this development to students, teaching staff, and parents to ensure a seamless transition back to regular academic schedules. The DoE has emphasized the importance of prompt dissemination of this information across all educational communities.
Air Quality Improvement Drives Decision
The decision to restore normal school operations follows CAQM's comprehensive review of Delhi's pollution situation. Restrictions under Stage III of GRAP, which included specific measures for educational institutions, were officially lifted on Wednesday.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 377 at 4 pm on Thursday, placing the city in the 'very poor' category. While still concerning, this represents significant improvement from the 'severe' range that persisted earlier this month.
Delhi has experienced consistently poor to very poor air quality for the past 13 days. Under the CPCB classification system:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
The CAQM stated that the revocation of Stage III restrictions was based on careful assessment of overall air quality trends and meteorological forecasts, which indicated no immediate return to severe pollution levels in the coming days.
With this development, schools across the capital are expected to return to full on-campus operations immediately. School administrations have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the updated guidelines and effectively communicate the revised arrangements to their respective educational communities.
