Several states across India have announced extended summer holidays for schools following warnings from the India Meteorological Department that heatwave conditions are expected to intensify between mid-May and June. Temperatures across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Telangana have already crossed 45 degrees Celsius, leading authorities to close schools early or revise timings for students.
The decisions apply to CBSE, ICSE, government and private schools. Authorities have advised children and senior citizens to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours. In several districts, schools have shifted to morning schedules to reduce exposure to extreme temperatures as heatwave conditions continue across North and Central India.
State-wise summer vacation schedule
- Delhi: May 11 to July 1, 2026 (Around 51 days)
- Uttar Pradesh: May 20 to June 15, 2026 (27 days)
- Rajasthan: May 17 to June 20, 2026 (35 days)
- Bihar: June 1 to June 20, 2026 (20 days)
- Haryana: June 1 to June 30, 2026 (Around 30 days)
- Telangana: April 24 to June 11, 2026 (Around 48 days)
West Bengal has already closed schools in several districts, excluding Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Punjab is following phased closures depending on weather conditions. Odisha advanced holidays from April 27 after approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Chhattisgarh schools closed from April 20 to June 15, while Andhra Pradesh enforced holidays from April 24 to June 11 and warned private schools against conducting classes during the vacation period. Several districts in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Noida and Ghaziabad introduced morning classes running between 7 am and noon. Rajasthan and parts of NCR also adopted revised schedules to avoid afternoon heat exposure for students.
Why children struggle returning to school
Children often face difficulty returning to school after long summer holidays because their routines change significantly during vacations. Many begin sleeping late, waking later in the morning and spending more time on leisure activities, travel and unrestricted play.
The return to school also brings back homework, examinations, classroom discipline and fixed schedules. Some children experience stress related to academic expectations after spending several weeks away from studies. Disrupted sleep patterns can make early school mornings difficult during the initial weeks after reopening.
Summer holidays also create emotional attachment to leisure activities and family outings. Returning to structured school routines after extended breaks can therefore become challenging for many students across different age groups.
