Punjab Reduces School Timings to Only 2 Hours. The Punjab Education Initiatives Management Authority (PEIMA) has announced a major change in school timings across the province. As winter approaches and mid-term exams draw near, the government has officially reduced daily school hours to only two hours per shift. The updated schedule will apply to all government and private schools in Punjab.
This step has been taken to ensure students’ safety during cold weather and to help schools manage the upcoming School-Based Assessment (SBA) exams smoothly.
Mid-Term SBA Exams to Begin on 12 December 2025
The Punjab Education Department has confirmed that the mid-term School-Based Assessment (SBA) for the academic year 2025–26 will start from 12 December 2025. Students from grades 1 to 8 will appear in these tests across all districts of Punjab.
Highlights of SBA Exam Schedule
- Exams start: 12 December 2025
- Applies to: Classes 1 to 8
- Date sheet already issued to schools
- Teachers instructed to complete syllabus revision before exams
Schools have received the complete exam timeline so they can prepare their students ahead of time.
New Winter School Timings From 8 December 2025
To deal with harsh winter conditions, the Punjab Education Department has issued new timing schedules for all schools. These winter timings will be effective from 8 December 2025.
Morning Shift
9:30 am to 11:30 am
This means students will attend school for only two hours in the morning shift. The shortened duration helps protect children from winter fog and cold weather.
Afternoon Shift
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Friday Timings (Afternoon Shift)
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
These timings apply to:
- Government schools
- Private schools
- Elementary, primary, and middle schools
School heads have been directed to strictly follow these timings without any exceptions
Punjab Announces Winter Vacations 2025
The Punjab government has officially declared winter holidays for all schools. According to the latest notification:
Winter Vacations in Punjab
- Start Date: 23 December 2025
- End Date: 10 January 2026
- Schools Reopen: 11 January 2026
This schedule applies uniformly to both public and private schools.
The purpose of the break is to protect students from severe weather conditions and allow them to enjoy a refreshing holiday period with their families.
Balochistan Announces Extended Winter Vacations
While Punjab has set a standard vacation timeline, the Government of Balochistan has introduced much longer winter holidays due to extremely cold weather in many districts.
Balochistan Winter Vacation Schedule
- Start Date: 16 December
- End Date: 1 March
Students in colder regions will get two and a half months of holidays due to harsh winter temperatures. This longer break is issued every year to ensure student safety.
Annual Exams Already Underway in Chaman
In the Chaman district of Balochistan, the annual exams for classes 1 to 7 began earlier on:
- Start Date: 16 November
- End Date: 24 November
Meanwhile, Class 8 exams under the Balochistan Board will start from 24 November.
Uniform Timing and Holiday Schedule Across Punjab
To avoid confusion between school systems, the Punjab Education Department has clearly announced that all government and private schools must follow the same holiday dates and reduced timings.
Purpose of a Unified Schedule
- Ensures fairness among students
- Maintains consistency in academic calendars
- Helps parents plan winter activities easily
- Protects students from severe winter conditions
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s decision to reduce school timings to just two hours is a student-friendly move aimed at managing winter weather and mid-term SBA exams more effectively. With exams starting on 12 December, new timings from 8 December, and winter vacations from 23 December, schools across the province are preparing for a busy yet well-organized winter season.
Meanwhile, Balochistan continues its tradition of long winter breaks due to extreme cold, highlighting regional differences in climate and academic planning.
Parents are advised to stay updated with their school’s announcements and ensure that students attend classes as per the revised schedule.
FAQs
1. Why has Punjab reduced school timings to only two hours?
To protect students from cold weather and fog, and to help schools conduct SBA exams smoothly.
2. When will SBA exams start in Punjab?
The mid-term SBA for classes 1–8 will begin on 12 December 2025.
3. Are new timings applicable to private schools?
Yes, the new schedule applies to both government and private schools.
4. When are winter vacations in Punjab for 2025–26?
Winter holidays will be from 23 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
5. Why are winter vacations longer in Balochistan?
Balochistan experiences extremely cold weather, especially in mountainous areas, so the government announces extended holidays for student safety.
