- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi School Holiday: Schools for young students in Delhi will remain closed as air pollution levels have once again reached the 'severe' category. Due to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and the surrounding NCR areas, the Delhi government has implemented restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to minimize exposure to the hazardous air.
Delhi School Closures: Classes Under Impact
As per the Official order, all government and private schools in Delhi have been shut for students from Nursery to Class 5 until further notice.
As per the latest directive, schools in Delhi are following a mixed approach:
1. Nursery to Class 5: Schools closed; classes suspended
2. Classes 6 to 11: Hybrid mode (online and offline)
3. Classes 10 and 12: Physical classes continue due to the upcoming board examinations
Officials said the decision aims to balance academic needs with prioritising children's health on days with high levels of pollution.
Why Have Delhi Schools Been Shut Down?
This decision was made after people in the Delhi-NCR region reported experiencing health issues such as difficulty breathing, sore throat, cough, and eye irritation. Medical experts have warned that children are most vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.
GRAP Stage 4 is the strictest level under the pollution control framework and is implemented when air quality remains dangerously poor for an extended period.
Noida and Ghaziabad:
Similar mandates are in place. Classes from Nursery to Grade 5 are held online only, while Grades 6 and above (excluding Board exam years) follow a hybrid model.
Online Classes: All students from Pre-Nursery to Class V must attend classes entirely online until further notice.
Hybrid Classes: Schools for Classes VI to IX and Class XI are permitted to operate in a hybrid format (both online and in-person), depending on school facilities.
Physical Classes: Classes X and XII generally continue with physical, in-person instruction to prepare for upcoming board exams.
Schools To Function In Hybrid Mode Till Class 5 In Gurugram:
In view of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Gurugram administration on Thursday directed all schools in the district to conduct classes for students up to class 5 in hybrid mode.
The decision has been taken in the interest of children's health and safety, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar said.
Following the implementation of Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the CAQM, the Haryana government has decided that Deputy Commissioners in the National Capital Region will assess the prevailing situation in view of the deteriorating air quality.
Implementing GRAP Stage-III measures is part of a graded strategy to mitigate air pollution in the NCR during the winter months, when emissions and weather conditions combine to severely impact air quality.