Latest News: Punjab Schools to Adjust Timings for Ramadan 2026

Punjab schools are preparing to revise their operational hours for Ramadan 2026, expected to begin on 18 or 19 February, pending official moon sighting. The School Education Department has finalized a proposed schedule to ease fasting for students, teachers, and staff during the holy month. The revised timings are aimed at balancing learning with religious observance, ensuring that school routines remain effective while accommodating the physical demands of fasting.

Single-Shift Schools: Proposed Timings

Day	Timings
Monday–Thursday	8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday	8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

For single-shift schools, teaching activities from Monday to Thursday will start at 8:30 AM and end at 1:00 PM. On Fridays, schools will close slightly earlier at 12:30 PM to allow students and staff sufficient time for prayers and family activities. These changes aim to reduce stress during the longest fasting days, particularly for younger students who may find the combination of academics and fasting challenging.

Double-Shift Schools: Proposed Timings

Shift	Regular Days	Friday
First Shift	8:30 AM – 12:30 PM	8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Second Shift	1:00 PM – 4:00 PM	2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Double-shift schools will follow slightly adjusted timings. The first shift remains largely the same, running from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM throughout the week. The second shift will operate from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, while on Fridays, it will start later at 2:30 PM and end at 5:00 PM. This approach ensures that students attending either shift can manage their school activities without compromising their fasting schedule.

Why the Change Is Important

The Punjab School Education Department decided to adjust school timings in response to feedback from students, parents, and teachers. Fasting during long days can be physically demanding, and the revised hours are intended to make academic routines more manageable. Parents had previously raised concerns about early school timings and smog-related delays, requesting adjustments to reduce morning stress. With improving air quality, officials believe that earlier school hours combined with shorter Ramadan schedules will be safer and more convenient.

What Parents and Students Should Know

The proposed schedule is still awaiting official implementation. Parents, teachers, and students should monitor announcements from the Punjab School Education Department and their respective schools for confirmation. The department has emphasized that these adjustments are temporary and only for the duration of Ramadan.

Students are advised to plan their daily routines, including meals and prayers, according to the revised hours. Teachers are also expected to optimize lesson plans to cover essential topics within shorter teaching periods. Both students and staff should prepare for possible minor schedule changes after moon sighting confirmation.

Conclusion

Punjab schools’ proposed adjustments for Ramadan 2026 aim to provide relief for students and staff during fasting hours. By shortening school days and adjusting shift timings, the Education Department seeks to balance academic needs with religious observances. Parents and students are encouraged to follow official announcements for the final schedule and plan their daily routines accordingly. These changes highlight the government’s efforts to accommodate citizens’ needs while maintaining a productive educational environment during the holy month.