Schools across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) have shifted to a hybrid mode of teaching following the implementation of Stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid a sharp deterioration in air quality.
The directive was issued by district education authorities, including the Office of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Gautam Budh Nagar, and applies to both government and private institutions in Delhi and neighbouring districts.
Under GRAP Stage 3, state governments in the NCR and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are required to implement hybrid classes which is a combination of physical and online teaching for students from Nursery to Class 5.
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The order applies to schools in:
Delhi
Gurugram
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida and Greater Noida)
Hybrid classes extended to higher grades under Stage 4
With air quality entering the ‘severe-plus’ category, GRAP Stage 4 protocols extend the hybrid arrangement to Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 in the same districts.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has clarified that the students and parents may opt for online classes wherever available, and schools cannot insist on physical attendance if parents cite health concerns.
Classes 10 and 12 will, for now, continue in physical mode to avoid disruption to board examination preparation, subject to further instructions from education departments.
Revised school timings in parts of UP NCR
In Gautam Budh Nagar, schools will function between 10 am and 3 pm, according to district authorities. The timing applies to all boards, including CBSE, UP Board, ICSE, IB and other recognised boards, covering both government-run and private schools.
Schools have also been directed to ensure that online teaching infrastructure is fully operational so that students opting for remote learning are not academically disadvantaged.
Earlier this week, schools in Delhi-NCR had remained shut due to extreme cold conditions and were scheduled to reopen around January 16. However, the sudden spike in pollution levels has forced authorities to reassess physical classroom attendance, particularly for younger children.
GRAP is a set of emergency measures triggered in stages based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), with restrictions becoming progressively stricter as pollution worsens.
Situation in other states
Punjab:
The Punjab government has revised school timings due to winter conditions. As per an official order, schools across the state will function from 10 am to 3 pm for primary classes and 10 am to 3.30 pm for upper primary and secondary classes till January 21, 2026.
Jammu and Kashmir:
In the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu, winter vacations are underway. Schools up to Class 8 will reopen on March 1, 2026, while Classes 9 to 12 will resume on February 22, the government has said.
