- Schools in north India remain closed or operate with reduced strength due to harsh winter weather
- Board practical exams for Classes 10 and 12 commence in January, followed by theoretical exams in February
- Winter vacations started around Christmas, with schools reopening mostly in early January 2026
As the new year begins, schools across the country are either closed or operating with reduced strength due to the harsh winter weather in north India. Schools affiliated with state boards and central boards such as CBSE and ICSE usually begin with board practical exams in January. The new year for students of Classes 10 and 12 begins with board practical exams as the boards are gearing up for practical exams in January, followed by theoretical board exams in February.
The winter vacation period in several schools started around Christmas or slightly earlier, depending on local conditions. Most schools are expected to reopen classes in early January 2026. However, the exact dates vary from state to state and region to region.
Also Read: Winter Vacation 2026: Schools Closed Across These States, Check Full List Here
Here is a list of public holidays announced for the month of January. However, these holidays may not apply uniformly across all states or school boards. As a result, institutions may remain open depending on local administration decisions.
- January 1, 2026: New Year's Day
- January 3, 2026: Hazrat Ali's Birthday
- January 14, 2026: Pongal and Makar Sankranti
- January 23, 2026: Vasant Panchami
- January 26, 2026: Republic Day
