Punjab Announces Winter School Timings 2025: Classes to Begin at 8:30 AM from October 20

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has officially announced the winter school timings for 2025, bringing a much-anticipated change to help students and teachers cope with the cold season. Starting October 20, 2025, all schools — both government and private — across the province will follow the new schedule.

This decision, approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, comes after weeks of consultation with parents, teachers, and education experts. The new timings are designed to ensure comfort, safety, and better attendance during Punjab’s chilly and foggy mornings.

🕒 New Winter Timings for All Schools

According to the official schedule released by the SED, the following timings will apply across Punjab:

These timings will remain effective from October 20, 2025, until mid-February 2026, depending on weather conditions.

🌫️ Why the Change Was Needed

Winters in Punjab are often marked by dense fog, low temperatures, and poor visibility, especially between November and January. Students and teachers commuting early in the morning have long faced difficulties due to these harsh conditions.

The 30-minute delay in school start time aims to:

• Reduce travel risks during foggy mornings.

• Prevent cold-related illnesses such as flu and cough.

• Allow students to start their day comfortably and arrive on time.

• Give teachers and staff a safer and more relaxed commute.

Education experts say that this small shift in timing can significantly improve attendance, alertness, and health among schoolchildren.

💬 Government’s Consultative Approach

Before finalizing the winter schedule, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat reached out to the public for feedback on social media. Thousands of parents and teachers responded, suggesting start times between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

This public involvement reflects the government’s commitment to people-friendly policymaking. It’s a refreshing change, showing that citizens’ opinions are being heard and considered in decisions that affect daily life.

🏫 Uniform Timings for All Institutions

Both private and government schools will follow the same official winter timings. Private schools with double shifts may adjust their internal schedules slightly, but they must begin morning sessions no earlier than 8:30 AM.

This uniformity is meant to avoid confusion among parents — especially those with children in multiple schools — and to ensure fair implementation across the province.

🧣 Safety Advice for Parents

The Punjab School Education Department has also shared a few important safety tips for parents during the winter season:

• Dress children in warm layers, including sweaters, caps, and gloves.

• Provide a warm breakfast or milk before school.

• Avoid sending kids on motorbikes during fog; use vans or cars with proper fog lights.

• Make sure school transport vehicles are safe, heated, and well-maintained.

• Allow extra travel time to prevent rushing in poor visibility.

Following these simple steps can help ensure that children stay safe, healthy, and on time throughout the season.

📢 When Will the Official Notification Be Available?

Once approved by the Chief Minister, the final notification for Punjab Winter School Timings 2025 will be available through:

• The official SED website

• The Education Department’s Facebook page

• District Education Authority (DEA) offices

Parents are encouraged to check these platforms regularly for official updates and the downloadable notification document.

🎓 A Step Toward Student Well-being

Education experts have praised this move as a student-first initiative, balancing academic needs with health and safety. Many parents have also expressed relief, noting that the later start time will allow children to get better sleep and avoid exposure to harsh cold early in the morning.

As Punjab continues to modernize its education policies, the winter timing adjustment stands out as a simple but meaningful change that prioritizes student comfort without disrupting learning.

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In summary:
Starting October 20, 2025, schools in Punjab will open at 8:30 AM and close at 2:30 PM. Saturdays will remain holidays. The decision, approved by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to make schooling safer and more comfortable during the cold winter months.

With this thoughtful policy, Punjab sets an example of smart, climate-responsive education planning — proving that even small changes can make a big difference in students’ lives.