The Punjab School Education Department has announced revised timings for all public schools across the province, with the new schedule coming into effect from October 16, 2026. This comprehensive decision aims to accommodate the changing weather patterns and ensure the well-being of students during the colder months ahead.
According to an official notification issued on Wednesday, the revised timings will remain effective until March 31, 2027. The policy covers all categories of educational institutions, including single-shift, double-shift, and afternoon schools operating throughout the province.
Under the new schedule, single-shift schools will operate from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm from Monday to Thursday. For Fridays, the timings have been adjusted to run from 8:45 am to 12:30 pm to facilitate Friday prayers and a shorter working day.
For double-shift schools, the morning shift will run from 8:45 am to 1:15 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:45 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays. This precise scheduling allows a smooth transition between shifts without causing unnecessary delays for students and teaching staff.
The afternoon and evening shifts will operate from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the afternoon shift will function from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, accommodating the Friday prayer break for students and faculty members.
The provincial education department has directed all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of District Education Authorities across Punjab to ensure strict compliance with the revised schedule in their respective jurisdictions. Monitoring teams will visit various institutions to verify implementation.
Furthermore, the notification clarified that the concerned authority heads possess the discretion to adjust a 15-minute gap between the opening and closing times of girls' schools. This localized flexibility is permitted to ensure security and convenience for female students and parents.
Parents and school administrations have largely welcomed the decision, noting that a delayed morning start provides relief from early morning fog and chilly weather conditions typically experienced in Punjab during late autumn and winter. The Punjab School Education Department continues to monitor weather updates and student attendance patterns across districts, reserving the right to issue further guidelines if regional climatic conditions demand additional administrative adjustments.
All public schools are advised to display the new timing schedule prominently on their notice boards and communicate the changes effectively to parents through SMS alerts and circulars ahead of the implementation date.