Chandigarh Schools to Open at 9:30 AM Until January 25

Chandigarh: Considering the ongoing cold wave, the UT Education Department has extended the revised school timings for government and private schools in Chandigarh until January 25, 2025. The decision aims to ensure the safety and convenience of students and staff during the extreme winter conditions.

According to the official notification, government and government-aided schools operating in a single shift will follow the timing of 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM for staff and 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM for students. For schools running in double shifts, the morning shift will operate from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM for staff and 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM for students. The evening shift timings have been set from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for staff and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM for students.

Private schools in Chandigarh have also been instructed to follow the 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM schedule for students. However, for pre-board students, schools can independently decide to start classes as early as 9:00 AM to accommodate exam preparations.

The revised timings were initially implemented for the period between January 11 and 18 but have now been extended due to the persistent cold weather. This extension reflects the department’s commitment to ensuring minimal disruption to education while prioritizing the health and comfort of students.

Parents and school authorities have expressed mixed reactions to the decision. While many appreciate the efforts to shield children from the harsh morning cold, some have raised concerns about the challenges posed by later school hours for working parents.

The education department has advised schools to monitor the weather conditions closely and take additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. This includes providing adequate heating in classrooms and encouraging students to wear warm clothing.

With temperatures in Chandigarh expected to remain low over the coming days, the decision to extend the revised school timings is being seen as a practical step to address the challenges posed by the cold wave.

As the cold wave continues to affect daily life, the UT Education Department’s proactive measures ensure that students’ safety remains a top priority. Schools have been urged to adhere strictly to the revised timings to maintain uniformity across the city.