The Punjab Education Department has officially declared the winter vacation schedule for all public and private schools and colleges across the province, including the major educational hub of Rawalpindi. The announcement brings clarity for thousands of students, parents, and teachers who were waiting for the official dates. With temperatures dropping and academic pressure rising ahead of the annual exams, the notification provides much-needed relief and helps institutions plan the final weeks of the academic year.
According to the latest update issued by the Punjab Education Minister, all educational institutions in Rawalpindi District will follow the Punjab-wide winter vacation schedule without any changes or extensions.
📅 Winter Vacation Dates for Rawalpindi 2025–2026
The officially approved holiday schedule is as follows:
- Winter Vacations Start: December 22, 2025
- Winter Vacations End: January 10, 2026
- Classes Resume: January 11, 2026
During this period, all government and private schools, colleges, and academies in Rawalpindi will remain closed. The District Education Authority (DEA) Rawalpindi has instructed institutions to strictly comply with the provincial directives.
These dates have been finalized keeping in view the intense winter season and the need to provide students with a restful break before the next phase of their academic journey.
🔄 Revised Exam Schedule for Rawalpindi Board Students
Along with winter holidays, the Punjab government also confirmed significant changes to the matric and intermediate exam schedule for 2026. Students of BISE Rawalpindi will now take their annual exams after Ramadan and Eid, ensuring a more comfortable study environment.
Updated Exam Timeline
- Matric Exams 2026 (9th & 10th): Expected to begin on March 24, 2026
- Intermediate Exams 2026 (1st Year & 2nd Year): Will start shortly after matric exams
This revised schedule provides students extra time for preparation, reduces stress during Ramadan, and allows schools to complete the syllabus properly.
🎯 Why the Updated Schedule Matters for Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi is known for its dense student population, especially due to its large network of private schools and high-performing colleges. The new winter vacation and exam timetable brings several benefits:
- Better academic planning due to clear, early notification
- Reduced health and weather-related issues during chilly mornings
- More effective revision time before board exams
- Lower stress levels, especially for matric and intermediate students
Parents and teachers in Rawalpindi have welcomed the government’s timely decision, emphasizing its positive impact on student performance and well-being.
✔️ Conclusion
The Punjab Board’s official announcement of winter vacations for Rawalpindi schools and colleges marks an important update for the academic community. With holidays beginning on December 22 and classes resuming on January 11, students now have a well-timed break to relax and prepare for the coming months. The revised exam schedule—shifting matric and intermediate exams to late March 2026—further supports students by aligning academic activities with weather conditions and the holy month of Ramadan.
Overall, these decisions highlight the government’s focus on creating a balanced, student-friendly educational environment in Rawalpindi and across Punjab.