School Holiday Update for November 11: Schools in Several States to Remain Closed Due to Elections and Air Quality Concerns
As November progresses, students and parents across India are experiencing a series of unexpected school closures due to multiple factors including assembly elections, religious festivals, adverse weather conditions, and deteriorating air quality. The situation has created a complex pattern of educational disruptions that varies significantly from state to state.
Bihar Assembly Elections Drive School Closures
The ongoing Bihar Assembly Elections have been a major factor in school closures throughout November. The state conducted its elections in two phases, with the first phase on November 6, 2025, covering 121 constituencies across 17 districts, and the second phase scheduled for November 11, covering the remaining 122 constituencies. This electoral process has led to comprehensive closures of educational institutions as schools are typically used as polling stations and government staff are deployed for election duties.
According to the Election Commission of India, the first phase of voting in Bihar saw an impressive 65.08% voter turnout, indicating high civic engagement despite the logistical challenges. The districts affected by the first phase included major educational centers like Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and several others, resulting in widespread school and college closures across these regions.
Uttar Pradesh Adapts to Multiple Events
Uttar Pradesh has also experienced school closures, particularly in the Anupshahr area of Bulandshahr district, where schools remained closed on November 6 due to the Lakkhi Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela. This religious fair, which attracts thousands of devotees, required additional security and crowd management resources, leading to the temporary suspension of educational activities in the area.
Air Quality Crisis Continues to Impact Education
Air quality concerns have continued to plague several regions, particularly in North India, where pollution levels have reached dangerous proportions. The Central Pollution Control Board reported that regions including Kaithal in Haryana and Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh have fallen into the "Very Poor" category for air quality. Delhi and surrounding NCR regions have consistently recorded hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, sometimes exceeding 400, which poses serious health risks to students, especially those with respiratory conditions.
This air quality crisis has resulted in periodic school closures, particularly for primary schools, as health authorities prioritize student safety. The situation reflects a broader environmental challenge that appears to be worsening during the winter months when pollution levels traditionally peak.
Weather-Related Disruptions
Several southern states have faced school closures due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. These weather-related closures have been particularly frequent in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka, where unseasonal rains have created challenging conditions for both students and staff attempting to reach educational institutions safely.
Religious Festival Observances
November has also been marked by several important religious observances that have contributed to school closures. Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Utsav/Gurpurab), celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was observed on November 5, leading to closures in regions with significant Sikh populations. Additionally, Chhath Puja celebrations in early November resulted in school and government office closures in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Impact on Academic Calendar
These frequent closures have raised concerns among educators and parents about the impact on the academic calendar. Schools are finding it challenging to maintain their planned curriculum schedules, with many institutions now having to adjust examination dates and assignment deadlines to accommodate the lost instructional time.
Educational authorities in affected states are working to develop contingency plans, including extended school hours, weekend classes, and online learning modules to help students catch up on missed coursework. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies significantly depending on the availability of resources and infrastructure in different regions.
Looking Ahead: Managing Future Disruptions
As India continues to grapple with multiple challenges that affect educational activities, there is an increasing need for better coordination between various government departments, educational institutions, and health authorities. The creation of more robust contingency plans and improved communication systems could help minimize the disruption to students' learning experiences while ensuring their safety and well-being remain the top priority.
Parents and students are advised to stay updated through official government announcements and school communications to remain informed about any last-minute changes in school schedules. Many states have implemented WhatsApp-based alert systems and official government portals to provide real-time updates about school closures and reopening dates.
The situation also highlights the need for schools to invest more in digital learning infrastructure, enabling them to continue education through online platforms during unexpected closures. This approach has proven particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to serve as an important tool for maintaining educational continuity during various disruptions.
As the month progresses, authorities will be monitoring the situation closely, particularly the ongoing Bihar elections and air quality levels, to determine if additional school closures become necessary. The goal remains to balance educational objectives with safety considerations while minimizing disruption to students' academic progress.
Note: This update is based on information available as of November 2025. Parents and students are encouraged to check with their respective state education departments and school administrations for the most current information about closures and reopening dates in their specific areas.
