Amid the continuous fall in mercury and sub-zero night temperatures across Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced winter vacation for schools in the Valley in a phased manner, beginning with pre-primary classes, which will observe vacation from tomorrow.
The government announced the winter vacation for all government and recognised private schools in the Kashmir division and the winter zones of Jammu.
As per the order the pre-primary classes will observe vacation from tomorrow.
Classes from 1st to 8th will close from December 1 to 28 February 2026. Classes from 9th to 12th will begin vacation from December 11 to February 22, 2026.
The government has directed all teaching staff to remain available for any academic engagement during the break. Teachers have also been instructed to report back to their respective schools on February 20, 2026 to make arrangements for reopening.
The order further cautions that any violation by heads of institutions or teaching staff in following the schedule will attract strict action.
The announcement comes at a time when night temperatures in several parts of Kashmir have dipped below freezing.
The Meteorological Department said the minimum night temperature remained 0–3°C below normal across many parts of Kashmir. The tourist resort of Pahalgam in Anantnag recorded the season’s lowest temperature at –4.4°C, while Srinagar shivered at –3.1°C.
