Winter Vacation In Kashmir Schools 2025: Important Update for Students
Srinagar: With temperatures dipping sharply across the Valley and schools already struggling with cold classrooms, the School Education Department is preparing to announce winter vacations for Kashmir schools in the coming days.
ProKashmiri.in has learned from reliable officials that the government is working on a phased schedule, with the tentative plan pointing toward the first and second week of December.
According to officials present in a recent internal review meeting chaired by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, the department is leaning toward beginning vacations for primary classes in the first week of December. However, classes from 6th to 12th are likely to continue for a few more days, with their vacations expected to start in the second week of December.
Sources told ProKashmiri.in that these dates are not final; they will be adjusted depending on how the weather evolves over the next couple of weeks.
Officials say the department is carefully monitoring the weather trend. Early November has already seen a sharp plunge in temperatures. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the safety and comfort of schoolchildren during early morning travel.
Several districts in South Kashmir have also reported freezing conditions and frost buildup, both of which make morning school timings difficult.
Another factor influencing the timeline is the new academic session. Since schools in Kashmir have already shifted to the March academic cycle, the department is pushing to complete at least 10 percent of the syllabus before long winter breaks begin. Teachers have been directed to continue classroom activities for as long as weather conditions allow, especially for higher classes preparing for board and term-end exams.
A senior official told ProKashmiri.in that the government is balancing two priorities: protecting children from harsh winter conditions and ensuring that teaching hours are not heavily compromised. “The dates are almost ready, but we want one more review of the weather pattern. If temperatures drop more sharply next week, an earlier announcement is also possible,” the official said.
Parents across the Valley have been urging the government to start vacations early, citing freezing morning temperatures, foggy weather, and rising heating costs. At the same time, teachers say that even a short extension of academic activity will help them cover pending units before the long winter gap.
With the cold wave tightening its grip and a fresh Western Disturbance expected soon, the announcement is now only a matter of final approval. ProKashmiri.in will issue an immediate update once the government formally releases the vacation order.
