Archive · 1 Oct 2026
October 2026 School Holidays: Key National and Regional Closure Dates
Schools and colleges in India will have several possible holidays in October 2026.
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday on October 2.
Dussehra, also called Vijay Dashami, is another national holiday on October 20.
Some schools may also close on October 19 for Maha Navami.
October 26 and October 29 may be holidays in some regions for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti and Karwa Chauth.
Sundays and some Saturdays will also be breaks for many students.
Not every school will close on every regional or restricted holiday.
Students should check their school or state education department calendar.
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti will be observed nationally on Friday, October 2.
Dussehra or Vijay Dashami is scheduled as a national holiday on Tuesday, October 20.
Maha Navami on October 19 may be a regional or institutional holiday.
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti and Karwa Chauth are restricted or regional holidays in some areas.
Schools and colleges should follow their state, board, or institutional holiday calendars.
- Who
- Students and staff at schools and colleges in India.
- What
- Schools and colleges may observe national, regional, restricted, and weekly holidays during October 2026.
- When
- Throughout October 2026, with major holidays on October 2 and October 20.
- Where
- Across India, with additional closures varying by state, school board, and institution.
- Why
- The breaks correspond to national holidays, religious and cultural festivals, and regular weekly or institutional closures.
- National holidays
- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Dussehra on October 20.
- Maha Navami
- Falls on October 19 and may be observed by several regions and institutions.
- Regional or restricted holidays
- Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is listed for October 26, while Karwa Chauth is listed for October 29.
- Weekly breaks
- Sundays and some Saturdays, including October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, may be holidays.
- Dussehra-related breaks
- Some institutions may extend closures around Dussehra, including October 19 and October 24.
- Calendar differences
- Holiday schedules vary considerably by state, school board, and individual institution.