Students across Punjab will have to adjust their morning routines as school timings are set to change from October 1, 2026.
Under the revised schedule, schools will begin at 8:30 AM, instead of the current 8 AM opening time. The October schedule will apply through October 31.
However, the closing time will vary according to the level of the school. Primary schools will operate from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while middle, high and senior secondary schools will run from 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM.
What changes from October 1?
The revised timings will cover schools across the state, including the primary, middle, high and senior secondary levels.
For parents and students, the major change is the 30-minute delay in the morning opening time. The school day will consequently extend further into the afternoon compared with the existing 8 AM to 2 PM schedule.
The October schedule will remain in force until October 31, 2026, after which another timing change will come into effect for the winter months.
Punjab school timings from April to February
Punjab follows different school timings during different parts of the academic session.
From April 1 to September 30, schools generally operate from 8 AM to 2 PM.
From October 1 to October 31, the schedule changes to:
Primary schools: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Middle, high and senior secondary schools: 8:30 AM to 2:50 PM
From November 1 to February 28, the timings shift further:
Primary schools: 9 AM to 3 PM
Middle, high and senior secondary schools: 9 AM to 3:20 PM
These seasonal changes have been part of Punjab's school schedule, with the winter timings also being revised by the Education Department when weather conditions require it.
Over 19,000 government schools in Punjab
The change comes at a time when Punjab's school education system covers more than 19,000 government schools across the state. The figure has been cited in several 2026 reports on the state education system.
The Education Department has directed school authorities to communicate the revised schedule to students and parents and ensure that the new timings are followed from October 1.
