Uttarakhand School Timing Change: New Summer Schedule Effective May 1 Following Dhan Singh Rawat’s Order

In response to the surging temperatures across the state, the Uttarakhand government has decided to revise the operational hours for all government schools. Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat confirmed that starting May 1, 2026, schools will shift to an earlier schedule to ensure student safety during the upcoming heatwave conditions.

Relief for Students Amid Rising Temperatures

Under this order, schools will open at 7:30 AM and will conclude classes by 1:30 PM. Currently Schools in the state operate from 7:45 AM to 2:05 PM. While students will be required to arrive 15 minutes earlier than usual, the primary benefit is the early closure of the school, allowing them to head home 35 minutes earlier and avoid the most punishing afternoon sun.

Dr Rawat emphasised that the decision was taken primarily to safeguard the health of the young children, who are most vulnerable to heatstroke and exhaustion during long commutes in the afternoon. The change applies to all government-run institutions across the state’s plains and hilly regions.

Weather Alerts and Departmental Preparedness

The timing change comes as the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun issues alerts for various districts. While some hilly areas are expecting light rain and snowfall in higher altitudes, the plains are bracing for a dry, hot spell. Officials noted that even with occasional showers, the overall mercury level is expected to remain high throughout May.

Parents and teachers have welcomed the move, noting that the 1:20 PM school close time will provide significant relief to students who often travel long distances on foot or in non-air-conditioned school buses. The Education Department has instructed all district education officers to ensure strict compliance with the new schedule starting this Wednesday.

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