The Government of Punjab has officially changed the school timings for all Special Education Institutions across the province. This decision was taken under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, following instructions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab to minimize the effects of smog and air pollution during winter.
According to the official notification issued on 1st November 2025, the new schedule will be effective from 3rd November 2025 and will remain in force until 31st January 2026. These revised timings will apply to both public and private sector Special Education Schools and Centers across Punjab.
Punjab Special Education New School Timings 2025 Brief Information
| Category | Details |
| Department | Special Education Department, Government of Punjab |
| Notification Number | No. SO(SE)2-22/2020/64 |
| Notification Date | 1st November 2025 |
| Effective From | 3rd November 2025 |
| Valid Till | 31st January 2026 |
| Reason for Change | Implementation of EPA Punjab orders to reduce smog impact |
| Applicable To | All Public & Private Special Education Institutions in Punjab |
| Authority | Secretary, Special Education Department, Punjab |
New School Timing Schedule for Special Education Centers
As per the official notification, the following timings will be observed from 3rd November 2025 (Monday) to 31st January 2026 (Friday) across Punjab:
| Sr. No | Category | Monday to Thursday | Friday |
| 1 | Govt. Special Education Centers, Schools (Non-Hilly Areas) | 08:45 a.m. to 01:30 p.m. | 08:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
| 2 | Govt. Special Education Centers, Schools (Hilly Areas) | 09:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
All concerned departments and school heads are strictly directed to ensure compliance in letter and spirit with the revised timing schedule.
Purpose of the Notification
The Punjab Special Education Department issued this notification to ensure student safety and health amid the increasing smog levels during the winter months. Morning hours have been slightly adjusted to avoid exposure to dense smog, especially affecting special needs students.
This policy will remain temporary and may be reviewed again in February 2026, depending on the environmental situation and EPA guidance.
Implementation Instructions for School Heads
- All District Education Officers (Special Education) and Chief Executive Officers (DEAs) are instructed to ensure strict implementation.
- Copies of this notification have been sent to all Deputy Commissioners, Directors, and School Heads for immediate action.
- Both government and private institutions must follow the new schedule without exception.
- Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action as per departmental rules.
Conclusion
The Punjab Government’s Special Education Department has taken this proactive step to protect the health and wellbeing of students during smog season. These revised school timings (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026) aim to reduce morning exposure to pollution and maintain a safe learning environment. All Special Education Centers across Punjab are advised to implement the new timings strictly from Monday, 3rd November 2025.
FAQs
Q1. When will the new Special Education school timings start in Punjab?
The new timings will start from 3rd November 2025.
Q2. Which schools are affected by this notification?
All public and private Special Education Institutions across Punjab.
Q3. What are the new timings for non-hilly areas?
From 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Mon–Thu) and 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Friday).
Q4. Why were the timings changed?
The timings were changed due to smog and environmental concerns as per EPA Punjab instructions.
Q5. How long will these timings remain effective?
They will remain in force till 31st January 2026.