Winter Vacations for Public and Private Universities. The Government of Punjab has officially extended winter vacations for all public and private universities and colleges across the province. According to the latest update, higher education institutions will now remain closed until January 16, 2026, providing students and faculty additional relief during the ongoing winter season.
The announcement was shared through an official notification issued by the Punjab Higher Education Department, and later reported by ProPK.
Universities to Reopen From January 19
As per the notification, all academic activities in universities and colleges across Punjab will resume from January 19, 2026. This means students are expected to return to campuses after the extended break, while faculty members will continue with the academic calendar from the announced date.
The decision applies equally to:
- Government universities
- Private universities
- Public colleges
- Privately managed colleges
This ensures a uniform policy across the entire higher education sector in Punjab.
Examination Schedule to Continue as Planned
The Higher Education Department has clearly stated that examinations will continue according to the previously announced schedule. No changes have been made to exam dates, papers, or assessment timelines.
Students appearing in:
- Semester exams
- Annual exams
- Mid-term assessments
are advised to follow their original exam timetables and remain in contact with their respective institutions for any internal arrangements.
Reason Behind the Extension
While the notification does not specify detailed reasons, the extension is largely attributed to:
- Ongoing cold weather conditions
- Health and safety concerns for students
- Requests from educational institutions
Punjab has experienced lower temperatures in recent weeks, prompting authorities to prioritize student welfare without disrupting the academic year.
Official Notification Summary
Here is a quick overview of the key points from the notification:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winter Vacation Extended Till | January 16, 2026 |
| Universities Reopen | January 19, 2026 |
| Applies To | Public & Private Universities and Colleges |
| Exams | Continue as Scheduled |
| Issuing Authority | Punjab Higher Education Department |
What Students and Parents Should Do
Students are advised to:
- Keep checking official university portals
- Follow exam schedules carefully
- Avoid spreading unverified information
- Prepare for exams during the break
Parents should ensure students remain academically engaged, especially those with upcoming examinations.
Impact on Academic Calendar
The Higher Education Department has confirmed that the overall academic calendar will remain unchanged. Institutions may adjust internal teaching plans to compensate for lost days, but no large-scale academic delays are expected.
Conclusion
The extension of winter vacations across Punjab provides temporary relief to students and faculty without affecting the examination schedule. By keeping exams unchanged and reopening institutions on January 19, the Punjab Higher Education Department aims to balance student safety with academic continuity.
