Educational institutions across Punjab have swung open their gates once again, marking the end of the extended winter holidays. Students returned to their classrooms on Monday, ready to resume their academic routines after a month-long break.
Academic Calendar and Revised Schedule
The winter vacation period, which officially commenced on December 20, provided students with a full 30 days of respite, as confirmed by the provincial Education Department. With the restart of classes, the department has issued a formal notification detailing a revised schedule for government schools.
According to the new directive, the standard school day from Monday to Thursday will run from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A shorter schedule has been set for Fridays, with classes concluding at 12:15 PM. This revised timing structure is set to remain in effect for a significant period, from January 19 until April 15, 2026.
Focus on Teacher Development
In a parallel move aimed at enhancing educational quality, the department has mandated professional development activities for teaching staff. As part of a broader initiative to uplift teaching standards province-wide, educators will now engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions.
These sessions, along with time allocated for curricular preparation, are scheduled from Monday to Thursday. This integrated approach signifies a dual focus: ensuring students are back in a structured learning environment while simultaneously investing in teacher capacity building.
Implications for the Education Sector
The coordinated reopening and the introduction of structured CPD point to a concerted effort by the Punjab Education Department to optimize the academic year. The clear, long-term schedule for school hours provides stability for parents, students, and school administrations alike.
By institutionalizing teacher development within the weekly schedule, the department underscores its commitment to not just keeping schools open, but also improving the quality of instruction delivered within them. This resumption period is therefore not merely a return to the old routine, but a step toward a more standardized and professionally enriched educational framework for Punjab.
