The end of the year brings one of the most anticipated breaks for students across India: the Winter Vacation. While the exact dates vary significantly depending on the state, region, and board (Government/CBSE/Private), most schools in the northern plains and states experiencing extreme cold typically observe a fixed break in late December and early January.
The popular expectation of a January 1 to January 15, 2026 break is confirmed for many major states in North India. However, states in the South and others with milder winters follow a different schedule, often combining the break with regional festivals like Pongal or Christmas.
Official & Expected Winter Vacation Dates 2025-26
The duration of the winter break is largely determined by the intensity of the cold wave and dense fog conditions, especially in North India. Below is the state-wise list based on official notifications and historical academic calendars for the 2025-26 session:
