Punjab Schools Announce 2-Hour Schools Timings – Updated Winter Schedule for 2026
The Punjab School Education Department has rolled out a fresh winter schedule for 2026, introducing two-hour school timings along with updated dates for the upcoming winter break. The decision has been taken to ease the pressure on students during the cold season and ensure a smoother academic routine across the province.
These new timings apply to all public and private schools from Grade 1 to Grade 8.
✔ New School Timings Start
Under the revised notification, schools in Punjab will follow a shortened two-hour structure
| Shift | Updated Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Afternoon Shift | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday Afternoon Shift | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
These temporary hours are aimed at helping students manage their mid-term assessments comfortably without exposure to harsh morning temperatures.
✔ Mid-Term School-Based Assessments
Punjab has also outlined the timeline for mid-term School-Based Assessments for classes 1 to 8.
- First SBA Exam: 12 December 2025
- Complete date sheet to be issued separately to schools
- Parents are encouraged to begin preparation early to avoid last-minute stress
These assessments are part of PEIMA’s effort to maintain a consistent, province-wide academic system during winter.
✔ Punjab Winter Vacations 2026 Confirmed
Schools across Punjab will follow the official winter break schedule as announced:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Holidays Begin | 23 December 2025 |
| Holidays End | 10 January 2026 |
| Classes Resume | 13 January 2026 |
This synchronized holiday calendar applies to both government and private institutions, ensuring uniformity across the province.
✔ Balochistan to Observe a Longer Winter Closure
While Punjab has announced a moderate winter break, several colder districts of Balochistan will undergo a much longer seasonal closure due to extreme temperatures.
| Region | Break Duration |
|---|---|
| Cold Districts of Balochistan | 16 December 2025 – 1 March 2026 (Approx. 2.5 months) |
Additional updates include:
- Class 1–7 exams: Already underway from 16–24 November
- Class 8 (Balochistan Board) exams: Starting 24 November
This extended break is designed to protect children from severe winter conditions.
✔ Mandatory for All Schools to Follow
The Punjab Education Department has directed every school—public, private, partnered, and registered institutions—to strictly implement:
- Shortened winter timings
- SBA exam schedule
- Official winter vacation dates
This ensures equal learning time, coordinated exams, and consistent academic flow for students across the province.
Final Word
Punjab’s revised winter schedule, featuring 2-hour classes, mid-term assessments, and a uniform holiday calendar, is designed to balance academic needs with student comfort. Parents are advised to keep track of official notifications and help children prepare ahead of the winter assessments.
