Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Delhi-NCR Schools Shift to Hybrid Mode
Because the air in Delhi and nearby areas is very polluted, schools have started a new way of teaching called hybrid learning.
This means some students go to school in person, and some learn online.
This is happening because the air quality is very bad, and it's not safe for kids to be outside too much.
The government has rules to help keep kids safe, and schools have to follow these rules.
Some schools in other places like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are also changing their timings because of the cold weather.
The rules might change if the air gets better, but for now, schools have to follow these safety steps.
Delhi-NCR schools shift to hybrid mode due to deteriorating air quality under GRAP stages 3 and 4.
Hybrid classes are mandatory for Nursery to Class 5 under Stage 3 and for Classes 6–9 and 11 under Stage 4.
Schools in UP’s Gautam Buddha Nagar will operate from 10 am to 3 pm, with Classes 10 and 12 continuing in physical mode.
Parents and students have the option to choose online education if available.
CAQM revoked Stage 4 of GRAP due to slight improvement in AQI levels, but stages 1, 2, and 3 remain in force.
- Who
- Schools in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring districts
- What
- Shifted to hybrid learning mode due to deteriorating air quality
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- Delhi-NCR and neighbouring districts
- Why
- Implementation of GRAP stages 3 and 4 to minimise children’s exposure to toxic smog
Air Quality Management
School Authorities
Implementation of GRAP
Air Quality Management
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) emphasized the need for strict implementation of GRAP stages, citing serious deficiencies in actions such as construction site inspections and road sweeping.
School Authorities
Schools have complied with the hybrid learning model as mandated by the GRAP stages, ensuring the safety of students.
- Affected Jurisdictions
- NCT of Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida/Greater Noida)
- GRAP Stage III Classes
- Nursery to Class 5
- GRAP Stage IV Classes
- Classes 6–9 and 11
- School Timings in UP’s Gautam Buddha Nagar
- 10 am to 3 pm
- GRAP Revocation Date
- 20.01.2026
- Current AQI in Delhi
- 378 (Very Poor)
- Punjab School Timings
- 10 am to 3 pm (Primary), 10 am to 3.30 pm (Upper Primary to Senior Secondary)
- Jammu and Kashmir Winter Vacation
- Schools up to Class 8 reopen on March 1, 2026; Higher classes on February 22, 2026
Sources
Delhi falls short of NCAP target on reducing PM 10 levels, trails behind Noida
What's allowed, what's not in Delhi-NCR as CAQM revokes GRAP-IV restrictions
Delhi-NCR schools shift to hybrid mode as GRAP implemented
Anti-Pollution Curbs Under GRAP 4 Revoked In Delhi As Air Quality Improves
Delhi NCR Air quality: Stage-IV GRAP actions revoked, vigil to continue
Delhi air quality: GRAP Stage‑IV revoked as AQI improves; Stage I–III curbs to stay
GRAP-IV Actions Revoked In Delhi NCR Amid 'Very Poor' Air Quality, Vigil To Continue
GRAP 4 revoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
All NCR cities should be brought under National Clean Air Programme framework: Bhupender Yadav
How favourable weather led to the lifting of Delhi’s strictest pollution curbs
Delhi’s AQI improves to ‘very poor’ after 3-day ‘severe’ spell; GRAP-4 curbs lifted
