As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Punjab schools have announced adjusted timings to ease the routine for students, teachers, and staff who will be observing fasts. The move comes as families had been calling for earlier school hours, especially after the smog season subsided, making mornings safer and more convenient for children.
The Punjab School Education Department has outlined the following schedule for Ramadan 2026:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Shift 1 (Monday-Thursday): 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Shift 2 (Monday-Thursday): 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Shift 2 (Friday): 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Currently, most schools are running from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm, with Ramadan expected to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on moon sighting, these timing changes aim to reduce the strain of long fasting hours for both students and school staff.
While these temporary adjustments make daily routines easier, it also highlights the need for a more permanent approach to school timings that takes seasonal changes and children’s well-being into account. Early and safe school hours benefit not just students but the community as a whole.