Punjab Introduces New Winter Hours for Teachers: Separate Timings Announced for 2025 Season

The Punjab School Education Department (PSED) has rolled out a new set of winter working hours for government school teachers across the province. The revised schedule will come into effect from Monday, October 27, 2025, and will continue until April 15, 2026, adjusting daily routines to suit the colder months ahead.

New Winter Timings Announced

According to the official notification, the winter schedule separates school timings based on whether a school operates on a single or double shift. The changes are designed to make school hours more manageable during shorter daylight periods.

• Single-Shift Schools:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Alternate Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (for administrative or training activities)

• Double-Shift Schools:

  • Morning Shift: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Fri)

  • Afternoon Shift: 12:45 PM – 4:00 PM (Mon–Thu), 1:45 PM – 4:00 PM (Fri)

  • Alternate Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (Admin/Training/Planning)

The department clarified that these revised hours will automatically switch back to the summer schedule once the winter season ends in mid-April 2026.

Reason Behind the Change

The main purpose of this adjustment is to make teaching hours more suitable for colder mornings while ensuring that learning continues smoothly. The government wants to balance comfort, efficiency, and productivity during the winter period.

According to the PSED, the new schedule will:

• Help teachers and students avoid early morning chill.

• Allow teachers time for planning, training, and administrative work on alternate Saturdays.

• Improve school management and ensure consistent educational standards across Punjab.

Instructions for Teachers and Schools

All government school teachers have been directed to confirm whether their school runs on a single or double shift and update their class timetables accordingly. Principals have been advised to inform parents and students well in advance about the new timings to avoid confusion.

Teachers are also required to be available on alternate Saturdays for official duties such as training sessions, planning meetings, or administrative work. This step is expected to help educators focus on academic improvement and better classroom management.

Government’s Standpoint

A senior official from the Punjab School Education Department shared that the move is part of the province’s seasonal education management plan, ensuring that all schools follow uniform working hours.

“All public schools must strictly follow the new timings to maintain consistency and smooth academic operations throughout Punjab,” the official said.

The official notice has already been sent to District Education Authorities (DEAs) and school heads for immediate implementation.

Impact on Parents and Students

While the new schedule mainly affects teachers, it also has indirect effects on students and parents. Families have been asked to adjust their pick-and-drop routines according to the revised timings.

The department also reminded parents to ensure that children dress warmly, especially in colder districts such as Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, and northern Punjab, where morning temperatures can drop significantly.

Why This Matters

This initiative highlights the Punjab government’s focus on improving the teaching environment and overall school operations. By setting separate working hours for teachers and allocating specific time for non-teaching duties, the government aims to promote better planning, training, and performance.

In addition, this policy reflects the administration’s growing attention to teacher well-being, recognizing that comfortable working hours contribute to better classroom engagement and academic outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Effective Date: October 27, 2025

• Applicable Till: April 15, 2026

• Applies To: Government schools under PSED

• Saturday Duty: Administrative and training purposes only

• Summer Timings: Will be announced in April 2026

Final Word

The introduction of the new winter schedule is a thoughtful step by the Punjab School Education Department. It not only considers the challenges of the winter season but also emphasizes teacher development and better school planning.

As the cold season approaches, this timely decision ensures that teaching and learning continue efficiently — keeping both educators and students comfortable, safe, and productive.