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Explore the detailed list of school holidays in India for 2024-25, including summer and winter breaks, festival holidays, and exam preparation periods to help students and parents plan effectively
School holidays hold an important role in the life of a student, nurturing a highly necessary breaks from the academic journey, chances to refresh, renew, renovate, and restore, and the opportunity to spend quality time with family.
In India, generally school holidays are bifurcated into various facets, like summer holidays, winter holidays, holidays for festivals, and breaks for practical and board exams.
During the academic year 2024-25, it's essential for students, parents, and teachers to be aware of these holidays to plan accordingly.
Let’s reconnoitre the comprehensive list of school holidays in India for 2024-25, while discussing the common kinds of breaks students experience throughout the year.
Summer Break is the longest vacation in the academic year, which typically extends over 4 to 8 weeks, based on the region and climate. Schools in northern parts of India, where temperatures rise, is inclined to have summer breaks during the month of May and June, while in southern parts of the country, have early summer breaks because of the different climatic conditions.
Winter breaks are usually shorter than summer breaks, spanning over 1 to 2 weeks. Schools in colder parts of the country like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand generally have extended winter breaks in December and January. However, schools in other regions may witness only a short break around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
For students in higher grades like Grade 10 and 12, practical exam holidays are provided. These holidays permits students to pay attention on preparing for their practical examinations, which are essential facets of the board examination marks. Practical exam holidays usually fall between the month of January and February.
During February to April, students in Grades 10 and 12 appear for their board examination, and schools provides holidays around this time to offer students the chance to prepare for this critical examination. These holidays may differ based on the education board and region.
Here's a monthly breakdown of the holidays in India for the academic year 2024-25. Kindly note that the dates for some holidays may differ by region, state, or religious affiliations, as India is known for its cultural diversity.
Here are complete list of July 2024 School Holidays:
July 17, 2024 - Muharram
Muharram is a crucial Islamic event, and schools throughout the country usually celebrate it.
Here are complete list of August 2024 School Holidays:
August 15, 2024 - Independence Day
August 19, 2024 - Raksha Bandhan
August 29, 2024 - Janmashtami
As a national holiday, Independence Day is observed with pride throughout the country. Schools also observe Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami that are primary cultural festivals celebrated in India.
Here are complete list of September 2024 School Holidays:
September 8, 2024 - Ganesh Chaturthi
September 21, 2024 - Eid-e-Milad
Ganesh Chaturthi is primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and some other states, while Eid-e-Milad is a significant festival for Muslims, due to which holidays are witnessed in different regions.
Here are complete list of October 2024 School Holidays:
October 2, 2024 - Gandhi Jayanti
October 9 to 13, 2024 - Dussehra
October welcomes Dussehra break which expands from October 9th till October 13th 2024 in various regions of the county. To celebrate the victory of good over evil 1 to 3 days holidays is observed in schools. Gandhi Jayanti is also observed nationwide to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation.
Here are complete list of November 2024 School Holidays:
November 1, 2024 - Diwali
November 2, 2024 - Govardhan Puja
November 4, 2024 - Bhai Dooj
November is the gateway to one of the most widely celebrate Indian festival, Diwali. Students enjoy a long break to observe this festival of lights followed by holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Here are complete list of December 2024 School Holidays:
December 25, 2024 - Christmas
Although Christmas is majorly observed in Christian community schools across India has holiday for it. It is followed by winter break particularly in colder regions of India.
Here are complete list of January 2025 School Holidays:
January 13, 2025 - Makar Sankranti
January 26, 2025 - Republic Day
As a national holiday Republic Day is celebrated with parades and patriotic events, whereas Makar Sankranti is the end of the winters, observed with joy across the country.
Here are complete list of February 2025 School Holidays:
February 14, 2025 - Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in most parts of the country, most prominently in northern parts.
Here are complete list of March 2025 School Holidays:
March 17, 2025 - Holi
March brings festivities of colours and joy with Holi predominantly celebrated across the nation. Schools in most parts parts of the county declares long Holi holidays that stretches for mostly 4 to 5 days.
Here are complete list of April 2025 School Holidays:
April 13, 2025 Baisakhi
April 18, 2025 - Good Friday
Baisakhi is ab essential harvest festival in northern parts of the country, predominantly in Punjab. Whereas, Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrated by schools throughout India.
Here are complete list of May 2025 School Holidays:
May 13, 2025 - Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is an important day for Buddhists community and is celebrated as a public holiday across India. May is also the time when schools initiate their summer holidays which lasts for about 30 to 45 days.
School holidays in India for the academic year 2024-25 are a blend of national, cultural, and religious events. With breaks varying from summer and winter breaks to practical and board exam preparation holidays, students can look forward to relaxing periods across the year. Understanding the holiday calendar helps both students and parents use their time judicially, whether it's their academic journey, personal growth and development, or family break.
1. Q: When are the summer holidays for schools in India in 2024?
A: Summer holidays typically fall between May and June, lasting 4-8 weeks, depending on the region.
2. Q: How long is the winter break in Indian schools?
A: Winter breaks usually last 1-2 weeks, with longer vacations in colder regions like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
3. Q: Are there holidays for practical exams in schools?
A: Yes, students in Grades 10 and 12 get practical exam holidays, usually between January and February.
4. Q: When do board exam holidays start in 2024?
A: Board exam holidays generally occur from February to April for Grades 10 and 12.
5. Q: Are holidays the same across all schools in India?
A: No, holidays may vary by state, region, and the type of school, reflecting India’s cultural diversity.
6. Q: Do all schools have holidays on national festivals?
A: Yes, schools across India observe holidays on major national festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day.
7. Q: When does the academic year usually start in India?
A: The academic year generally starts in April or June, depending on the region and education board.
