The Punjab government has announced revised winter school timings for public schools across the province, effective from October 16, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The new schedule includes separate timings for single-shift schools and double-shift institutions, covering both morning and afternoon sessions.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department on October 14, 2026, the revised timetable aims to regulate school hours during the winter season. Students, parents, and teachers have been advised to follow the updated schedule applicable to their respective schools.
Punjab Sets Winter School Timings From October 16, 2026, to March 2027
Under the new schedule, single-shift government schools will operate from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, schools will close earlier, at 12:30 p.m.
The revised timings for single-shift schools are as follows:
| Day | School Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Students are advised to arrive at school on time and follow the timetable announced by their school administration.
Double-Shift Schools Morning Timings
Government schools operating in double shifts will follow a separate schedule for morning classes. The morning shift will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.
On Fridays, morning classes will conclude at 12:30 p.m.
| Day | Morning Shift Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Double-Shift Schools Afternoon Timings
The afternoon shift will operate from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, afternoon classes will start at 2:00 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
| Day | Afternoon Shift Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Students enrolled in afternoon-shift schools should confirm their reporting times with their respective school administrations.
Education Department Issues Instructions to Schools
The Punjab School Education Department has directed all chief executive officers of district education authorities to ensure that public schools comply with the revised winter schedule.
The notification was issued on October 14, 2026, and signed by School Education Secretary Muddassir Riaz Malik. It also permits district education officials to adjust the 15-minute gap between opening and closing times at girls’ schools according to local requirements.
School administrations are expected to communicate the revised timings to students, parents, and teachers to ensure a smooth transition to the winter timetable.
When Will the New Winter School Timings Start?
The revised school schedule will take effect on October 16, 2026, and remain applicable until March 31, 2027, according to the notification details provided.
Parents should contact their children’s schools or the relevant district education authority for any local adjustments or additional instructions.
Conclusion
The Punjab government has introduced revised winter school timings for public schools for the 2026–2027 season. The schedule sets different operating hours for single-shift schools and double-shift morning and afternoon sessions, with shorter morning hours on Fridays.
Students, parents, and teachers should check the updated timetable and follow the applicable school timings from October 16, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
