Winter vacations extended till Jan 17 in Jammu schools

Jammu, Jan 14: Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ), in the wake of persisting biting cold weather conditions prevailing across the region, has further extended the winter vacations for all government and private schools, falling in the summer zone, till January 17, 2026.

In continuation to its order No 16-DSEJ-2026 dated January 11, issued vide endorsement No DSEJ/GEN/2703-36 dated January 11, 2026, DSEJ has, however, instructed the schools to explore the possibilities of conducting online classes from classes 6th onwards.

“The vacation shall be applicable to both teaching staff and students. However, the Board examinations for Classes 10th to 12th shall be conducted strictly as per the notified schedule, if any,” Director School education Jammu, Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary ordered.

He has further instructed that the preparation for Republic Day-2026 will be conducted strictly as per the schedule notified by the competent authorities.

For the past one-week, dense foggy conditions have intensified the chilly weather conditions across Jammu region, impacting normal life. Reduced visibility due to fog, particularly during morning and evening hours, has also affected the operation of air and rail services in Jammu, delaying the schedule by 3-4 hours.

Earlier DSEJ, through its order issued on January 11 in continuation of its winter vacation order No 458-DSEJ of 2025 dated December 13, 2025, had extended the winter vacations for all government and private schools in the summer zone till January 14, 2026 due to chilly weather conditions.

As per December 13, 2025 order, the schools were scheduled to open on January 12, 2026.

DESJ, in its December 13, 2025 order, had announced phase-wise winter vacations in the government educational institutions and recognized private schools up to higher secondary levels of summer zone in Jammu division.

As per schedule, for the students of pre-primary to 5th standard, the vacations were from December 22 to January 10, 2026; for 6th to 8th standard, the vacation period was from December 26 to January 10 while for 9th standard to 12th standard, the vacations were from December 29 to January 10, 2026.