Chandigarh schools will continue to function under special arrangements till January 10 as the Union Territory Education Department has ordered the suspension of physical classes for younger students due to severe cold and dense fog in the region. The decision aims to protect children from health risks while ensuring that their learning does not come to a halt during the harsh winter spell.
According to the latest order, all students up to Class VIII, along with non-board classes of Class IX and XI, will not attend school in physical mode. Instead, schools have been permitted to conduct online classes from 9 am onwards. Institutions have also been directed to adjust staff schedules accordingly so that virtual learning runs smoothly without placing additional strain on teachers or students.
For board classes, the administration has made a partial relaxation. Students of Class X and XII will be allowed to attend school, but only within strictly regulated timings. Schools can open no earlier than 9:30 am and must close by 3:30 pm. The Education Department clarified that these timings are meant to ensure that pre-board examinations, if scheduled, are not disrupted while also keeping student safety in focus.
The move comes as Chandigarh, along with much of North India, continues to face intense cold waves and thick morning fog, which significantly reduce visibility and increase the risk of illness and accidents during early morning travel. Officials said the order applies to all government, private, and government-aided schools in the city and will remain effective until January 10, after which the situation will be reviewed based on weather conditions.
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Parents have largely welcomed the decision, saying it will help protect children from seasonal illnesses while still allowing them to keep up with their studies through online classes. Teachers, too, believe that the hybrid approach for board classes will help students stay focused on their preparations without unnecessary exposure to harsh weather.
By temporarily shifting younger students to online learning and regulating school hours for board classes, the Chandigarh administration has sought to strike a careful balance between education and safety during one of the coldest periods of the year.