Delhi-NCR Schools Shut Due to Pollution; States Adjust Timings Amid Cold Wave

• Delhi-NCR: Nursery to Class 5 closed indefinitely due to 'severe plus' AQI; Classes 6-11 hybrid, 10 & 12 mandatory physical with no outdoor activities.
• Patna, Bihar: School timings changed to 9 am - 4:30 pm until December 27 for all schools and Anganwadi centres due to severe cold and fog.
• Uttar Pradesh: Bareilly schools (1-8) closed until December 20; a 12-day winter break is scheduled for most districts from December 20-31.
• Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana: Rajasthan winter vacation starts Dec 25, 2025. Punjab winter vacation Dec 22 - Jan 10, 2026. Haryana schools start 9:30/10 am, winter break Jan 1, 2026.
• South India: Christian minority schools in Telangana expect 8 days holiday from Dec 21; Andhra Pradesh expects winter/Christmas break from Dec 24.

Why It Matters: North Indian schools face closures/timing changes due to pollution, cold; South India prepares for festival breaks.