As winter deepens across northern India, a number of states have declared school holidays on Saturday, 3 January 2026. While the academic calendar for January 2026 already includes various scheduled breaks, ongoing winter vacations and severe weather conditions — especially cold wave and dense fog — have kept many schools closed today. Parents and students in affected regions should note the status and reasons to avoid confusion.
According to education updates, schools in Delhi–NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of Madhya Pradesh are observing closure today. Meanwhile, southern states and much of eastern India continue regular academic activities.
Table of Contents
Why Are Schools Closed on 3 January 2026?
There are two main reasons for school closures today:
Winter Vacation – Many northern and hill states schedule extended winter breaks that overlap with January. These vacations are part of regular academic calendars in colder regions where severe winter conditions impact student safety.
Cold Wave and Dense Fog – Weather alerts due to extreme cold and reduced visibility have prompted state authorities to extend holiday orders or adopt alternate teaching modes (online/hybrid) to protect students commuting early in the morning.
In several districts, even after the official vacation period, authorities may keep schools closed based on real-time weather conditions, especially when temperatures stay dangerously low.
State-Wise School Holiday Status on 3 January 2026
Here’s a breakdown of where schools are closed today and the reasons:
Delhi–NCR (Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad)
Delhi–NCR (Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad)Schools in most parts of the National Capital Region remain closed as part of the ongoing winter vacation. In some areas like Noida and Ghaziabad, authorities have adopted a flexible approach — allowing online classes for primary students (up to Class 5) and hybrid schedules for Classes 6 and above, due to severe cold and thick morning fog that reduces visibility.
Uttar Pradesh
Across key districts such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Meerut and Agra, schools remain shut under winter vacation directives. Authorities have indicated that reopening dates will be reviewed based on temperature and visibility levels over the coming days.
Bihar
Schools in many districts remain closed as the cold wave persists. The decision is largely weather-driven, with some areas opting to keep teachers on administrative duties while students stay home for safety.
Rajasthan
Especially in the northerly and desert districts, government and private schools continue winter break closures due to sustained low temperatures.
Punjab and Haryana
Both states are serious about student safety in winter conditions. Schools in Punjab are reportedly closed until early January (with closures continuing today) — partly due to extended winter holidays and concerns about dense fog affecting transport. In Haryana, schools similarly remain closed as weather alerts and winter break schedules remain in effect.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Hill States)
In these hill states, snow, icy roads and extreme cold have kept schools closed as part of extended winter breaks — a common pattern in high-altitude regions. Jagranjosh.com
Madhya Pradesh & Other States
Madhya Pradesh & Other StatesSome districts in Madhya Pradesh also observe winter holidays or make local closures based on cold wave conditions. However, holiday status may vary by district and board schedules. Jagranjosh.com
Where Schools Are Open (Southern & Other Regions)
Not all states have winter weather conditions that disrupt schooling. In contrast:
Tamil Nadu Karnataka Kerala Telangana Andhra Pradesh
schools generally remain open on 3 January 2026. These states typically follow regular academic calendars without extended winter breaks, except for nationally observed holidays. Temporary closure status may still vary by private school calendars or district notices.
Scheduled Holiday on 3 January: Hazrat Ali’s Birthday
In addition to weather-related closures and vacations, 3 January 2026 is noted in national holiday calendars as Hazrat Ali’s Birthday, a public observance for sections of the Muslim community. Many schools may list this date in their January holiday calendar, although it is not uniformly observed as a state-wide mandatory closure in all regions. The Indian Express
Parents should check with their local schools or education boards to confirm if this observance affects their institution’s schedule, especially in states with diverse cultural practices.
January 2026 Holiday Calendar for Schools
Even beyond 3 January, January 2026 features several dates when schools may remain closed due to national holidays, festivals, and regional observances. These include (but are not limited to):
January 1, 2026 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day January 3, 2026 (Saturday) – Hazrat Ali’s Birthday (observed in parts of India) January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) – Pongal / Makar Sankranti January 23, 2026 (Friday) – Vasant Panchami January 26, 2026 (Monday) – Republic Day (national holiday)
Note: Holiday observance varies by education board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards), school type, and local government directives.
Important Points for Students & Parents on 3 January 2026
Check Official Notices
Check Official NoticesAlways verify closures with your school’s official notice, WhatsApp group, SMS alert, or district education office. Local administrators can announce last-minute changes based on weather conditions.
Online/Hybrid Options
In some urban areas where in-person classes are unsafe (like Delhi–NCR), schools may adopt online or hybrid class schedules instead of full holiday closures. Parents should confirm which model applies to their child’s class and school.
Safety First
School closures during extreme cold and fog are intended to protect student health, especially during early morning commutes when visibility is low and temperatures are dangerously cold.
Reopening Plans
Reopening dates may be revised frequently during winter weather patterns. Authorities often monitor daily conditions before updating the academic calendar.
Conclusion
3 January 2026 (Saturday) sees school holidays across much of northern and hill India — largely due to extended winter vacations and cold wave conditions that make travel unsafe for students. Regions such as Delhi–NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of Madhya Pradesh are observing closures. Meanwhile, southern and many eastern states continue regular school schedules unless individual schools issue alternative notices.
While Hazrat Ali’s Birthday on 3 January is listed in broader holiday calendars, the primary reason for school closures today in many states remains weather-related breaks rather than uniform festival observance.
Parents and students should regularly check official school communications to stay up-to-date on reopening dates, online class schedules, and any last-minute changes, especially amid ongoing winter weather conditions.
