School Holiday – The month of January brought a much-needed break for school-going children across many parts of the country. Between winter vacations, festivals, and weather-related closures, students enjoyed extra time at home while parents adjusted schedules, planned trips, or simply welcomed the pause in daily routines. In several states, holidays even extended beyond the usual calendar because of intense cold waves. Regions like Delhi, Punjab, and Chandigarh announced temporary school closures due to severe and bone-chilling temperatures, with an additional holiday declared on 27 January to ensure student safety.
As January comes to an end, parents are noticing that no major official holidays are left for the remaining days of the month. This has naturally shifted attention toward February. Many families are now asking whether schools will remain open continuously or if another extended break is coming. The big question circulating among parents, students, and teachers is whether schools will truly remain closed for up to eight days in February and what prompted the government to announce these holidays.
What Is the February School Holiday Update?
February School Holiday updates have become a hot topic with the start of the new year. Every year, this period brings a mix of national holidays, religious observances, and routine weekly closures, but 2026 appears to offer an especially busy holiday calendar. Parents and teachers are closely watching announcements, trying to understand how many actual school days will be affected.
School holiday calendars play an important role in academic planning. Teachers use them to manage syllabus completion and exam schedules, while parents rely on them to plan travel, family events, and study routines. Students, of course, look forward to these breaks as a chance to relax, revise, or spend time with family. Knowing about holidays in advance reduces stress and helps households plan more effectively.
This article focuses on the expected February 2026 school holiday schedule based on public holidays, weekends, and common academic practices. While some holidays are nationwide, others depend on state-level decisions. Government and private schools may also follow slightly different calendars. Official notifications are still being monitored, and any confirmed changes will be updated as soon as authorities release them.
School Holidays in India 2026: What to Expect
Across India, school holidays in February usually occur for a mix of reasons. These include national festivals, religious and cultural celebrations, state-specific events, and routine weekend closures. Gazetted holidays are mandatory in most government institutions, while restricted holidays may or may not be observed depending on local rules.
Because education is governed at the state level, holiday patterns often differ from one region to another. Some states observe additional local holidays that are not recognized nationwide. In some districts, private schools may remain open even when government schools are closed, or vice versa. This is why parents are encouraged to treat general holiday lists as guidance rather than final confirmation.
February does not include long seasonal vacations like summer or winter breaks, but the clustering of festivals, weekends, and second or fourth Saturdays can still result in a surprisingly high number of non-school days. When these dates are counted together, many students may effectively see schools closed for up to eight days during the month.
February School Holiday List 2026
The first potential closure comes on 1 February 2026 with Guru Ravidas Jayanti. This occasion is observed as a public holiday in several states, especially in northern India, making it likely that schools will remain closed in those regions. The next closure falls on 8 February 2026, which is a Sunday, a regular weekly holiday for all schools and colleges.
On 12 February 2026, Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti will be observed. This day is considered a public holiday in multiple states, and many educational institutions may declare a closure. Following this, 14 February 2026 is the second Saturday of the month. Most schools and colleges observe a holiday on the second Saturday, although policies can vary by district or institution.
Maha Shivratri, one of the most widely observed religious festivals, falls on 15 February 2026. On this day, schools and colleges across many states are expected to remain closed. Another important holiday comes on 19 February 2026, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated. This is a public holiday in several states, particularly Maharashtra, and many schools and colleges are likely to remain shut.
The regular weekly holiday on 22 February 2026, which is a Sunday, will again see schools and colleges closed. Finally, 28 February 2026 falls on the fourth Saturday. Many schools, especially government institutions, observe a holiday on the fourth Saturday as well. When all these dates are considered together, February could include up to eight non-working school days.
Important Advice for Parents
Parents and students are strongly advised to stay updated through official school circulars, notices, and verified government announcements. While the probability of holidays on the mentioned dates is high, final decisions rest with state education departments and individual school administrations. Staying in touch with schools will help avoid confusion and last-minute surprises.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on expected public holidays, common academic practices, and publicly available calendars. Actual school holidays may vary by state, district, or institution. Parents and students should always rely on official notifications from schools or government authorities for accurate and final holiday confirmation.


