The Punjab Education Department has announced new timings for schools across the province on Friday, as schools are opening after a long summer vacation.
When will the schools open in Punjab?
All public and private schools in Punjab will reopen as usual from August 24, 2026. The new timings for government schools will remain in place until October 15, 2026.
What are the new school timings in Punjab?
Under the new schedule, single-shift schools will operate from 8 AM to 1:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, classes will end at 12:45 PM.
For double-shift schools, the morning shift will run from 8 AM to 12:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, it will end at 12 PM.
The evening shift at double-shift schools will run from 1 PM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, the shift will start at 2 PM and end at 5:30 PM.
The Education Department has directed Chief Executive Officers and District Education Authorities to ensure that schools follow the new timings.
Earlier, reports claimed that school and college holidays in Punjab had been extended. The Education Department rejected the reports and confirmed that educational institutions would reopen on August 24.
| School type | Day | Morning shift | Evening shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-shift | Monday–Thursday | 8 AM – 1:30 PM | — |
| Single-shift | Friday | 8 AM – 12:45 PM | — |
| Double-shift | Monday–Thursday | 8 AM – 12:30 PM | 1 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Double-shift | Friday | 8 AM – 12 PM | 2 PM – 5:30 PM |
Punjab may review school calendar
Previously, it had been reported that the Punjab government may review the school academic calendar after private schools raised concerns about the long summer holidays in the province.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said in an interview with a private TV channel that long holidays can affect students’ studies. He also agreed with the concerns raised by private schools.
The minister said the government is considering a plan to open schools on alternate Saturdays after the summer break.
He added that the new academic calendar will be prepared after discussions with private schools.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also said the government will prepare an alternative plan if schools have to close unexpectedly due to any situation.
He said the Friday holiday also affects the number of study days. According to the minister, schools should operate for 180 days a year. However, they currently remain open for around 140 days.