Punjab Government Announces Reduction in Public School Hours for Summer 2025

The Punjab government has announced a significant change in the public school timetable for the summer season. Starting from April 7, 2025, until October 15, 2025, the school hours will be reduced by 30 minutes, as per a notification issued by the School Education Department (SED). This decision comes in response to the rising temperatures and the need to provide a more comfortable environment for students and staff during the scorching summer months.

The newly implemented schedule will affect both single-shift and double-shift schools, with specific alterations in their start and end times. In this article, we will explore the details of the revised school hours, how they impact students, and the strict enforcement measures introduced by the District Education Authority (DEA).

Key Details of the Revised School Timings

The Punjab government’s decision to reduce school hours will apply across the region and will affect various types of schools. The key changes, as outlined in the notification, are summarized in the table below:

Single-Shift Schools Schedule

Important Changes for Single-Shift Schools:

• Previously, the end time for these schools was 1:30 PM. However, the new timings will conclude at 1:00 PM, providing students with an additional 30 minutes of rest during the summer heat.

• On Fridays, schools will close at 11:30 AM, ensuring that students get an early start to the weekend.

Double-Shift Schools Schedule

Important Changes for Double-Shift Schools:

• The morning shift will now end at 12:00 PM, reducing the time spent under the midday sun.

• The evening shift remains mostly unchanged but has a slight adjustment on Fridays, where it will run from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, rather than the regular 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM timing.

These adjustments reflect the government's efforts to balance academic needs with the health and well-being of students and staff.

Rationale Behind the Decision

The decision to shorten school hours during the summer is in line with previous years' adjustments, aimed at ensuring that students are not exposed to extreme temperatures during the peak heat of the day. The timing reductions also cater to the needs of school staff, giving them a chance to leave early and avoid travel during the hottest hours.

Additionally, with the summer heat often reaching unbearable levels, the revised schedule helps maintain a more conducive learning environment. This decision is particularly important for students in regions where schools lack adequate cooling facilities. By shortening school hours, the government hopes to reduce fatigue and prevent health risks such as heatstroke.

Impact on Students and Teachers

For students, the new schedule will offer some relief during the summer months. A 30-minute reduction in school hours may seem small, but it can have a significant effect on students’ comfort and ability to focus during classes. The early closing time also means that students can reach home earlier, giving them more time to relax and engage in extracurricular activities.

For teachers and school staff, the revised timings will reduce the strain of long working hours under extreme temperatures. Teachers will be able to complete their lessons while having sufficient time to prepare for the next day.

Enforcement of the New Schedule

The School Education Department has made it clear that the new timetable must be strictly followed. District Education Authority (DEA) Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have been instructed to ensure that all schools adhere to the revised schedule. Any failure to comply with the new timings may result in legal action against the schools or officials involved.

This directive underlines the importance of maintaining discipline and order during the summer months, ensuring that students benefit from the changes while keeping the system running smoothly. It also emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensuring that all schools are working within the updated regulations.

Additional Considerations for Boys’ and Girls’ Schools

The notification includes an added provision that allows for a 15-minute adjustment in the opening and closing times for boys' and girls' schools, depending on specific local circumstances. This flexibility is granted to accommodate schools with unique logistical challenges or those situated in areas where transportation or other external factors might require slight adjustments.