The CBSE School Holiday List 2025–26 has been updated to reflect the final term of the academic year. As we enter January 2026, students and parents are looking forward to the reopening dates after Winter Break, upcoming national holidays like Republic Day, and preparation leaves for the final Board Exams.
Whether you are planning a short family trip before schools reopen or organizing your study schedule for the final exams, this guide covers everything.
Key Takeaways: Winter Break & CBSE Holidays 2026
1. Exam Preparation: Class 10 & 12 students typically do not get a full winter break; schools often schedule extra classes and Pre-Boards during this period.
2. Winter Vacation Status: Schools in North India (Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab) are currently closed. Reopening is expected between January 8 and January 15, 2026, subject to cold wave conditions.
3. CBSE Practical Exams: Despite the break, Class 10 & 12 Practical Exams begin on January 1, 2026. Board students must check specific batch timings with their schools.
4. Republic Day Long Weekend: As January 26, 2026, falls on a Monday, students will enjoy a 3-day long weekend (Saturday–Monday).
5. Major January Festivals:
- North India: Lohri (Jan 13) & Makar Sankranti (Jan 14).
- South India: Pongal holidays (Jan 14–16).
- West India: Uttarayan/Kite Festival (Jan 14–15).
Table of Contents
CBSE School Holidays in January 2026
January is packed with major cultural festivals and national pride. For most students, the first half of the month is part of the Winter Vacation. Here is the confirmed list of holidays for January 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday / Event | Remarks |
| Jan 1–10 | — | Winter Vacation | Schools in North India typically remain closed. Dates vary by state. |
| Jan 13 | Tuesday | Lohri | Restricted Holiday (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi). |
| Jan 14 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Major harvest festival. Compulsory holiday in many states. |
| Jan 26 | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday. Flag hoisting is mandatory in all schools. |
Key Highlights for January:
- School Reopening: Most schools reopen between January 8th and January 15th, depending on the severity of the cold wave.
- Republic Day (Long Weekend): Since January 26 falls on a Monday, students and parents get a natural long weekend (Sat-Sun-Mon).
- Practical Exams: Class 12 students should note that practicals often continue despite the winter break.
State-Wise Regional Holidays (Winter & Spring)
India’s diversity means school holidays often depend on your state. Here are the specific regional holidays applicable for January–March 2026:
North India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi)
- Lohri (Jan 13, 2026): Schools often have a half-day or holiday.
- Winter Break: Usually extends until mid-January due to fog and cold waves.
South India (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)
- Pongal / Sankranti (Jan 14–16, 2026): This is the biggest festival of the year here. Schools in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh often declare 3–4 days of holidays during this week.
- Ugadi (March 2026): Celebrated as the New Year in late March/Early April.
East India (West Bengal, Assam)
- Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami): Usually in late Jan/early Feb. In West Bengal, this is a significant "Student's Day" where books are worshipped, and schools remain closed for study.
West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra)
- Uttarayan (Jan 14–15, 2026): In Gujarat, the Kite Flying Festival is massive. Schools typically remain closed for two days.
Upcoming Holidays: February & March 2026
As the session wraps up, holidays become scarce to focus on revision. However, there are two major breaks before the final exams conclude:
- Feb 15, 2026 (Sunday): Mahashivratri (Falls on a Sunday, so no extra holiday).
- March 3–4, 2026 (Tue–Wed): Holi & Dhulandi. A significant 2-day break for the festival of colors.
Tip for Students: Use the January 26 (Republic Day) weekend to finalize your syllabus before the main theory exams start in mid-February.
Complete Month-Wise CBSE Holiday List 2025–26
Below is the complete holiday schedule for the CBSE academic year, combining compulsory/gazetted holidays, restricted holidays, celebrations, and regional variations:
| Month | Date | Holiday/Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Apr 10 (Thu) | Mahavir Jayanti | Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, Jain festival |
| Apr 14 (Mon) | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti | Honors the architect of India’s Constitution | |
| Apr 18 (Fri) | Good Friday | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | |
| May 2025 | May 12 (Mon) | Buddha Purnima | Birth of Lord Buddha |
| June 2025 | Jun 7 (Sat) | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice Note: May not be a holiday if already a weekend |
| Jun 27 (Fri) | Ratha Yatra | A major festival in Puri, Odisha, involving chariot processions of Lord Jagannath. | |
| July 2025 | Jul 6 (Sun) | Muharram | Marks the Islamic New Year and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain Note: Falls on Sunday; likely no additional holiday |
| August 2025 | Aug 9 (Sat) | Raksha Bandhan | Celebrates the bond between siblings |
| Aug 15 (Fri) | Independence Day | Celebrates India’s independence from British rule in 1947 | |
| Aug 27 (Wed) | Ganesh Chaturthi | Honors the birth of Lord Ganesha Celebrated widely in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh | |
| September 2025 | Sep 5 (Fri) | Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad | Celebrates the birthday of Prophet Mohammad |
| Sep 5 (Fri) | Teacher’s Day | Honors Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday | |
| October 2025 | Oct 1 (Wed) | Dussehra (Mahanavami) | Celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Durga Puja |
| Oct 2 (Thu) | Gandhi Jayanti & Vijayadashami | Dual celebration | |
| Oct 20 (Mon) | Diwali (Deepavali) | Celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya | |
| Oct 27 (Mon) | Chhath Puja (North India) | Involve rituals by rivers to honor the Sun God. Major holiday in Bihar, UP | |
| November 2025 | Nov 5 (Wed) | Guru Nanak’s Birthday | Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism |
| December 2025 | Dec 25 (Thu) | Christmas Day | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ |
| January 2026 | Jan 12 (Mon) | Swami Vivekanand Jayanti | Honors the birth of Swami Vivekananda |
| Jan 14 (Wed) | Makar Sankranti | Celebrates the sun’s transition into Capricorn, with kite-flying and sweets like til laddoos. | |
| Jan 21 (Wed) | Junior Sports Meet (Celebration) | Physical activities for younger students | |
| Jan 24 (Sat) | Senior Sports Meet (Celebration) | Competitive sports for senior students | |
| Jan 26 (Mon) | Republic Day | Commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution | |
| February 2026 | Feb 15 (Sun) | Mahashivratri | Dedicated to Lord Shiva |
| March 2026 | Mar 3–4 (Tue–Wed) | Holika Dahan & Dhulandi (Holi) | Celebrates the triumph of good over evil, with bonfires (Holika Dahan) and color play (Dhulandi) during Holi. |
When will schools reopen after Winter Break 2026?
Most CBSE schools reopen by January 8th or January 15th, depending on state government directives regarding the cold wave.
Is January 22 a holiday in schools?
Some states may declare a holiday or half-day for specific local observances, but it is not a gazetted CBSE holiday.
Will the Republic Day (Jan 26) celebration be held if it's very cold?
Yes. Republic Day is a compulsory attendance day for flag hoisting. However, timings may be delayed slightly due to fog/cold in North India.
Do Class 10 & 12 students get Winter Break?
Usually, no. Schools conduct Extra Classes and Pre-Board Exams during the winter break for board-year students.
Which month has the maximum number of holidays in CBSE schools?
Usually, October (Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali) and January (Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Republic Day, Lohri) have the most number of school holidays across India.
Downloads & Important Links
Don't miss the official datesheets for the upcoming Board Exams.
CBSE Class 10 Datesheet 2026 (Released)
CBSE Class 12 Datesheet (Released)
Conclusion
The final leg of the 2025–26 academic session is here! With Republic Day and Holi offering the last few breaks, it’s time to buckle up for the final exams. Keep checking this page—we update it immediately if the government announces any emergency holidays due to weather conditions.
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CBSE Class 10 and 12 Supplementary Exam Admit Card 2025 Released – Download Link for Regular & Private Candidates
CBSE Practical Exam Guidelines for Supplementary Exam 2025 (Class 10 & 12)
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CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 Released: Revised Exam Schedule
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sample question papers & MCQ Hindi ‘B’ for class 10 bangalore
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