The Haryana Directorate of School Education has announced a revision of school timings for the 2024-25 academic session, considering seasonal changes. This decision applies to both single-shift and double-shift schools across the state. As per the official notice, single-shift schools will now operate from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm during the winter season. Double-shift schools will follow new timings, with the first shift running from 7:55 am to 12:30 pm and the second shift from 12:40 pm to 5:15 pm. These revised timings will be in effect until February 15, 2025.
The new timings were announced by the Haryana Chief Minister’s Office via a microblogging platform X, with the government issuing formal instructions to ensure that schools follow these changes until the specified date. The decision comes in response to the seasonal changes and aims to create a safer and more efficient learning environment for students.
In addition to these changes, the Haryana Parents Association had previously expressed concerns regarding the safety of students attending evening shifts in government schools. The early sunset during winter months raised alarms, with parents highlighting that many evening shifts run until 6 pm, which may pose a safety risk for students commuting home in the dark. The revised timings are designed to mitigate this concern by adjusting the school hours to accommodate earlier dismissal.
Another significant change is the introduction of a monthly holiday. All government and private schools in Haryana will remain closed on the second Saturday of every month, a new policy that was implemented on November 9, 2024. This initiative aims to provide students with an extended weekend, giving them both Saturday and Sunday off. The District Education Officers have been instructed not to call students to school during these holidays for any reason, and the Education Department has made it clear that action will be taken against schools that fail to comply with this directive.
These changes reflect the Haryana government’s ongoing efforts to address parental concerns and improve the overall school experience for students in the state. By adjusting school hours and offering more time off, the education department aims to ensure that students’ safety, well-being, and academic success are prioritized.
