Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Students across Punjab will have a later start to their school day from November 2, as the state shifts to its winter timetable in response to falling temperatures. The revised schedule will cover government and private schools, along with aided and recognised institutions, and will remain in place until February 28.
As per the new timings, primary schools will operate from 9 am to 3 pm. Middle, secondary and senior secondary schools will also begin classes at 9 am but will close at 3:20 pm.
The revised hours are expected to affect more than 19,000 schools across Punjab. The seasonal change is part of the Education Department’s existing practice of modifying school schedules at different points during the year.
Later Start for Students During Winter
With mornings becoming colder, the revised timetable will allow students to reach school later than they do during October. The department has set a common opening time of 9 am for all school categories, while closing times will vary according to the level of education.
The winter schedule will continue through February 28, after which school timings will be changed again from March 1.
How School Timings Change Throughout the Year
Punjab follows three broad school schedules during the academic session, with timings adjusted to suit seasonal conditions.
From April 1 to September 30, schools run from 8 am to 2 pm. In October, the opening time shifts to 8:30 am, with primary schools closing at 2:30 pm and middle and higher classes ending at 2:50 pm.
The winter timetable introduces a further adjustment, moving the start of the school day to 9 am. Primary students will finish at 3 pm, while middle, secondary and senior secondary students will leave at 3:20 pm.
Timetable Change to Cover Schools Across Punjab
The revised schedule will apply across the state to government, private, aided and recognised schools. Parents and students will need to plan their daily routines according to the updated hours from November 2.
The next change is scheduled for March 1, when the state will move away from the winter timetable as the academic year progresses towards the warmer months.
