School Timings Rescheduled to 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM due to Heat Wave | S&ME Dept Odisha Letter No.8651 Dated 02.04.2026
School Timings Rescheduled to 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM due to Heat Wave
Department: School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha
Letter No: 8651 | Date: 02.04.2026
Published: 02 April 2026 Applicable to: All Government, Government Aided & Private Schools in Odisha
The School & Mass Education Department has rescheduled school timings from **6:30 AM to 10:30 AM** with effect from **2nd April 2026** till the commencement of summer vacation to mitigate the heat wave situation.
This arrangement will remain in force every year during summer. After summer vacation, normal school timings will resume.
Key Instructions for All Schools
- Extra care must be taken to ensure availability of sufficient drinking water. Repair tube wells inside school campus wherever required.
- Sufficient ORS packets must be kept in schools and provided to students/staff as and when required.
- Outdoor activities must be restricted so that students are not exposed to heat wave conditions.
- All parents should be sensitized to ensure their children carry a water bottle to school daily. This should be widely publicized.
- Schools should allocate some time during school hours to give heat wave precautionary tips to students.
Important:
- Collector-cum-District Magistrates may further reschedule school timings well in advance if the local situation warrants.
- All earlier guidelines stand modified to this extent.
📄 Official Letter (PDF): View / Download
WhatsApp Telegram Facebook PDFFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the new school timings due to heat wave?
All schools will function from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM with effect from 2nd April 2026 till the start of summer vacation.
2. Is this change only for this year or every year?
This rescheduling will remain in force **every year** during the summer season.
3. Which types of schools are covered under this order?
All Government, Government Aided, and privately managed schools under School & Mass Education Department.
4. Can Collectors change school timings further?
Yes, Collector-cum-District Magistrates can decide rescheduling of schools well in advance if the local situation requires.
5. What other precautions should schools take?
Ensure drinking water availability, keep ORS packets, restrict outdoor activities, sensitize parents for water bottles, and conduct awareness sessions on heat wave precautions.