Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a precautionary move amid intensifying cold weather and dense fog, the Jharkhand government has ordered all schools across the state to remain closed till January 8, 2026. The decision affects educational institutions from pre-nursery up to Class 12, including government, government-aided, unaided and private schools.
The School Education and Literacy Department issued an official notification suspending regular academic activities for students for the period from January 6 to January 8. The closure aims to protect children from severe cold conditions that have been forecast across large parts of the state.
While students will not attend classes during the closure, teaching and non-teaching staff in government schools must report to work as usual. They are expected to carry out assigned non-academic duties during the holiday period. Officials clarified that the directive is intended to balance student safety with the administrative needs of schools. This arrangement ensures that institutions continue essential functions even as classroom teaching remains suspended due to weather challenges. One of the most significant aspects of the order is that pre-board examinations scheduled during this period are not automatically cancelled. Instead, each school has been empowered to decide independently whether to hold or postpone these exams. School authorities are advised to assess local weather and safety conditions before finalising their pre-board exam schedules. This flexible approach aims to prevent undue stress or risk to students attempting to travel in cold or foggy conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued cold wave conditions, with temperatures in some areas expected to drop as low as minus five degrees Celsius. Several districts, including Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Koderma, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Hazaribagh, have been issued cold wave and ‘cold day’ alerts, while other regions like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad and Deoghar are likely to see further decreases in minimum temperatures. Meteorologists say prolonged exposure to extreme cold and dense fog poses serious health risks — especially to young children. Local authorities have urged parents to keep students indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The deepening cold and reduced visibility due to fog have already disrupted daily activities in many parts of Jharkhand. In some districts, road travel has been slow, and poor visibility has affected transportation services. Students and parents alike have expressed mixed reactions to the extended break, with many appreciating the safety focus, while senior students awaiting exams seek clarity from their schools on upcoming assessments. Education officials continue to monitor weather developments closely. They may issue further guidance if conditions change or if the cold wave persists beyond the current forecast. Jharkhand is not alone in declaring weather-related school closures. Several other states, including Tripura, parts of Rajasthan and regions in northern India, have also extended winter breaks or suspended schools due to severe cold and foggy conditions. While the exact dates and decisions vary, the common aim is to keep students safe from extreme weather risks. With the January 8 deadline approaching, schools are expected to communicate their final decisions on pre-board examinations in the coming days. Students and parents are advised to stay updated through official school notices and local education department announcements. The state government continues to emphasise that the temporary closure is a preventive measure prioritising health, safety and well-being over routine academic schedules amid unusually harsh winter weather.Teacher and Staff Reporting, Academic Activities
Pre-Board Exam Decisions: Authority Given to Schools
IMD Weather Forecast and Safety Concerns
Impact on Daily Life and Education
Context: Cold Wave Across Indian States
Looking Ahead
