Winter Schedule Postponed to October 16; Check New Shift Hours and Official Order

In a key relief measure for students, educators, and parents navigating unseasonal heat and muggy weather conditions across the state, the Rajasthan Education Department has formally revised the rollout timeline for its annual winter school schedule. According to an official directive issued by the directorate in Jaipur, the transition to winter timings across all government schools—initially slated to take effect from October 1—has been officially deferred to October 16, 2026. Under the revised operational roadmap, all state-run schools will continue functioning on their existing summer morning hours through October 15, before switching over to the standard winter instructional day on October 16.Prolonged Heat Prompts Shift: Why the October 1 Timeline Was ExtendedThe administrative decision to delay the transition emerged directly from ground-level climatic challenges across various districts:Persistent High Temperatures: Despite entering the autumn month of October, several regions in Rajasthan have continued to experience elevated daytime temperatures, strong solar glare, and uncomfortable humidity levels.Demands from Teacher Unions and Parents: Various teacher associations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), along with concerned parent groups, submitted representations urging authorities to defer midday dismissals, pointing out that operating longer daytime hours under the current heat would burden young learners.Proactive Departmental Intervention: Factoring in public feedback and weather advisories, the Education Department amended its baseline schedule to ensure the well-being and health of students across primary and secondary schools.Current Operating Hours Retained Through October 15Until the new date arrives, existing instructional schedules will remain undisturbed across single-shift institutions:Morning Timetable Intact: All single-shift government schools across the state will continue running on their established morning shift from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM through October 15, 2026.Zero Disruption for Routine: Students, teachers, and non-teaching staff are instructed to maintain their current daily attendance schedule, allowing educational institutions to finish scheduled syllabus modules without abrupt adjustments.Winter Timetable Takes Effect from October 16 to March 31The full seasonal adjustment will officially come into force mid-month, aligning school sessions with the cooler winter period:New School Hours: Starting October 16, 2026, all government schools will shift to winter timings, opening their gates at 10:00 AM and closing at 4:00 PM.Five-Month Operational Window: The revised winter timing will remain strictly operative until March 31, 2027, giving school administrations a consistent structure through the colder winter months.Governed by Shivira Panchang: All supplementary academic calendars, co-curricular functions, semester evaluations, and seasonal holiday schedules will continue to align with the benchmarks laid down in the state’s official 'Shivira Panchang' for the 2026–27 academic year.