Are Delhi, NCR schools open today? How cities in the region are dealing with pollution levels

This comes as the AQI in Delhi fell, but it still remains in the ‘very poor' category as of Tuesday morning at 381.

Published on: Dec 16, 2025, 07:46:11 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Delhi-NCR has been grappling with dangerously high air pollution levels, prompting the government to change the way schools in the region function.

Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force in Delhi-NCR. (HT File Photo)

While schools across Delhi-NCR remain open, most cities in the region have ordered them to conduct the classes either online or in a hybrid mode.

This comes as the AQI in Delhi fell, but it still remains in the ‘very poor' category as of Tuesday morning at 381, after three consecutive days of remaining above 400.

Are Delhi-NCR schools open?

The Delhi government has mandated schools to transition from a hybrid system to fully online classes for students up to Class 5, according to an official order by the Directorate of School Education.
All other classes in Delhi's schools, except classes 10 and 12, will follow a hybrid model, with physical classes allowed whenever possible.
As for Gurugram, schools across the district have continued to operate in a physical mode, raising concerns among parents. Despite the enforcement of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), no directive has been issued by the Gurugram district commissioner to shift classes online.
In Noida, all students from pre-nursery to Class 5 will attend classes entirely in online mode until further notice, the district authorities have said. Students in Classes 6 to 9 will have classes conducted in a hybrid format, combining both online and physical modes as required. Classes for Class 11 students will also be held in hybrid mode.
In Ghaziabad, the District Inspector of Schools stated that classes from Pre-Nursery to Class 5 will be conducted online, while Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will follow a hybrid model. The order further directed that “all Headmasters/Principals of schools in the district and operators of coaching centres are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the above order.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.