The Haryana Government has officially released its holiday schedule for the year 2026, outlining a significant winter break for schools and multiple closures for state government offices. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, provides a comprehensive calendar for students, parents, and employees across the state.
Winter Vacation for Schools: Key Dates and Exceptions
In a major decision, the state's Directorate of School Education has declared winter vacations from January 1 to January 15, 2026. This break applies to all government and government-recognised schools, covering students from Class 1 through Class 12.
However, the notification includes a crucial exception for senior students. Students of Classes 10 and 12 may be called to their schools specifically for practical examinations, as mandated by board rules. The government directive clarifies that while regular classes are suspended, schools must adhere to the guidelines of boards like the CBSE and ICSE for conducting these crucial practicals.
An official from the Education Department explained the rationale behind the extended break, stating it was decided "keeping in mind the health and safety of children due to the continuously increasing cold." The move aims to prevent students from facing difficulties during their commute in severe winter conditions.
Government Office Closures and Holiday Breakdown
For state government offices, the calendar designates a total of 124 closed days in 2026. This figure includes:
- 104 Saturdays and Sundays.
- 20 gazetted holidays.
Of the gazetted holidays, eight—including festivals like Diwali and Maha Shivratri—coincide with weekends (Saturdays or Sundays). Consequently, government offices will remain operational for 241 days throughout the year.
In addition to the gazetted holidays, the government has declared 13 restricted holidays. Employees are entitled to avail themselves of 3 restricted holidays per year from this list. When these are factored in, the total number of scheduled holidays reaches 137.
Public Holidays and Special Days
The state has also issued a list of public holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, applicable across Haryana (excluding judicial courts). These are in addition to all 52 Sundays of the year and cover various national, religious, and historical occasions. The notification specifies that no additional benefit will be given if these public holidays fall on a weekend.
Interestingly, the calendar identifies 21 occasions as "Special Days." These days, associated with important social, historical events, and notable personalities, will not be public holidays. Government offices will function as usual. The government has made it clear that even if these special days fall on a Saturday or Sunday, they will not be treated as holidays, and no compensatory benefit will be provided.
The Directorate's letter has instructed all concerned officials to ensure strict compliance with these orders in schools and institutions under their jurisdiction. The finalized calendar is mandatory for all government offices and educational institutions statewide.
