Kashmir Winter Vacation 2025: In a significant relief for students and parents amidst the dipping mercury, the School Education Departmentis finalizing the winter break schedule for schools across the Kashmir Valley. Education Minister Sakina Itoohas officially confirmed the timeline for the winter vacation, prioritizing student health as severe cold grips the region.
Below, we break down the specifics of the upcoming winter break schedule based on the latest official announcements.
Key Highlights of Winter Vacation 2025
For quick reference, here are the details regarding the vacation schedule for different classes.
| Class Level | Vacation Start Date | Status |
| Kindergarten (Pre-Primary) | November 25, 2025 (Last Working Day) | Confirmed |
| Classes 1st to 8th | December 01, 2025 | Confirmed |
| Classes 9th to 12th | Dec 12 or Dec 13, 2025 (Tentative) | To Be Notified |
| Authority | School Education Department |
Understanding the Phased Schedule
The government has adopted a “Phased Winter Vacation” approach this year. This ensures that younger children, who are more vulnerable to harsh weather, get relief first, while senior classes continue briefly to complete essential academic requirements.
1. Primary & Middle Classes (1-8):
As per the Minister’s statement, the vacation for these classes will officially commence from December 1, 2025. This decision comes after a detailed review of the sharp decline in temperatures in the Valley.
2. Senior Classes (9-12):
Higher secondary classes will remain functional for an additional week. They are scheduled to close in the second week of December, likely around December 12 or 13. The final official order confirming these specific dates is expected shortly.
Official Quote: “The priority is to protect students from severe cold while ensuring that academic schedules remain balanced and uninterrupted.” — Sakina Itoo, Education Minister
Latest Update: Early Break for Kindergarten
In a separate but related development, the government has already ordered an early break for Kindergarten (Pre-primary) students. November 25, 2025, has been declared as the last working day for these young learners due to the intense morning chill.
Conclusion
As of November 24, 2025, the winter break countdown has officially begun. Parents of children in Classes 1-8 should prepare for holidays starting December 1, while students in higher classes have about two more weeks of academic sessions. We will update this page immediately once the formal order for Classes 9-12 is released.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do winter vacations start for Class 1 to 8?
The vacations for Classes 1 to 8 will begin on December 01, 2025.
2. What about Classes 9 to 12?
Senior classes are expected to observe winter break from the second week of December (tentatively Dec 12 or 13).
3. Is the schedule confirmed for Kindergarten?
Yes, the government has announced that November 25 is the last working day for Kindergarten students.
4. Why is there a difference in dates?
The administration has implemented a “phased schedule” to prioritize younger children who are more susceptible to the cold, while allowing older students time to finish their syllabus.
5. Who authorized this decision?
The schedule was confirmed by Education Minister Sakina Itoo following consultations with the Education Department and weather assessments.