The Punjab Higher Education Department has officially announced a province-wide winter break for all colleges and universities, setting a uniform holiday period to accommodate the colder season.
Official Dates and Scope of Closure
According to a notification released on Monday, the winter vacations will span from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026. This decision applies to all public and private sector degree-awarding institutions across Punjab. Academic activities are set to resume fully on Monday, January 12, 2026, ensuring a complete academic week begins post-break.
Key Exceptions and Exam Schedules
While most academic functions will pause, an important exception has been made. BS four-year degree programmes will continue their operations throughout the vacation period, with teaching and related activities proceeding as normal.
The department has also clarified that all examinations will be held according to the pre-announced schedules of the respective Boards and Universities. Students scheduled to take exams during the holiday window must adhere to the existing timetables without any alterations.
Aligning with School Calendars and Seasonal Adjustments
This announcement follows the recent notification of winter holidays for schools in Punjab, which will run from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Such calendar adjustments are a routine response to the challenging seasonal conditions, including low temperatures and dense fog, prevalent in Punjab during winter. The synchronized schedule aims to ensure student safety, minimize attendance issues, and provide a consistent academic framework across the education sector.
The uniform closure across the province underscores the department's effort to streamline the academic calendar and manage the operational challenges posed by the winter season effectively.
