Major news has arrived for students and parents across Punjab! The official Ramadan School Timings schedule has been released, bringing significant relief to those fasting. The Punjab government has thoughtfully reduced school hours to ensure that the physical health of both students and teachers remains a priority during the holy month. If you have been worried about early morning preparations or school dismissal times, this comprehensive guide is essential for you. The new schedule not only changes daily hours but also provides a special relaxation for Fridays. Please review the details below carefully to plan your routine accordingly!
Quick Overview:
| Category | Official Timing Details |
| Morning Start Time | 08:30 AM (Daily) |
| Closing Time (Mon-Thu) | 01:00 PM |
| Closing Time (Friday) | 12:30 PM |
| Effective Date | 1st Ramadan 2026 |
| Official Portal | schools.punjab.gov.pk |
What is the New Ramadan School Timings in Punjab?
The School Education Department (SED) of Punjab has officially revised school hours to accommodate students and staff during the holy month. The primary objective is to maintain academic continuity while preventing excessive physical strain on those fasting. These Ramadan School Timings apply to all primary, middle, and high schools across the province, including both public and private institutions.
For 2026, the school start time has been shifted slightly later to 8:30 AM. This change allows families more time for Sehri and necessary rest before the school day begins. Similarly, the closing time has been brought forward significantly to allow students to return home well before the afternoon heat peaks. This balanced approach ensures that the syllabus is covered without compromising religious obligations.
Revised Timings for Single-Shift Schools
Most government and private schools in Punjab operate on a single-shift model. For these institutions, the following Ramadan School Timings schedule is mandatory:
- Monday to Thursday: Schools will open at 08:30 AM and close at 01:00 PM.
- Friday Special: Classes will start at 08:30 AM and end early at 12:30 PM to facilitate Jumma prayers.
- Strict Compliance: These hours must be followed by all districts, from Lahore and Faisalabad to Multan and Rawalpindi.
- Assembly Rules: Morning assemblies must be kept brief or held indoors to protect students from exhaustion.
- Break Time: Long lunch intervals are replaced by short prayer breaks during the fasting month.
How will Double-Shift Schools Operate in Ramadan 2026?
Double-shift schools face the unique challenge of managing two separate groups of students within a condensed timeframe. The Punjab government has issued specific directives for these schools to ensure a fair and manageable schedule for everyone.
| Shift Type | Revised Duration 2026 |
| Morning Shift | 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Evening/Afternoon Shift | 12:30 PM to 04:30 PM |
| Friday (Morning) | 08:00 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Friday (Afternoon) | 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM |
| Total Class Time | Reduced by approximately 45 Minutes |
Do Private Schools Follow the Same Ramadan Schedule?
Yes, the official notification from the Punjab Education Department explicitly covers both public and private sectors. While some elite private institutions may have minor variations of 10 to 15 minutes, they are legally required to adhere to the general closing limits set by the provincial government. Parents are strongly advised to check official school diaries or specialized WhatsApp groups for any specific circulars from their child’s institution.
Why are School Hours Reduced During Ramadan?
Adjusting the schedule is a necessary step based on several critical factors affecting the learning environment in 2026:
- Physical Health: Fasting students need to conserve energy, especially as the weather warms up.
- Teacher Efficiency: Educators also fast, and shorter hours help maintain high-quality instruction.
- Spiritual Focus: Shorter days allow families to focus on prayers and Iftar preparations.
- Safe Commute: Early dismissal helps avoid peak afternoon traffic and the intense midday sun.
- Attendance Stability: Shorter days encourage higher attendance rates throughout the holy month.
How to Download the Official Notification?
To keep a copy of the official order for your records or school verification, follow these steps:
- Visit the Portal: Navigate to the Punjab School Education Department Portal.
- Notification Section: Click on the ‘Downloads’ or ‘Notifications’ tab on the homepage.
- Search for 2026: Look for the file titled “Revised School Timings for Ramadan 2026.”
- Save & Print: Download the PDF to your device or print it for your school’s notice board.
- Verify Authenticity: Ensure the document contains the official QR code or the Secretary of Education’s signature.
Important Tips for Parents and Students
Adapting to a new routine during Ramadan can be challenging for children. To make the most of the Revised School Timings 2026, parents should ensure children get adequate sleep after Taraweeh. Since school begins at 8:30 AM, there is a small window for rest after Sehri. Ensure students remain well-hydrated during non-fasting hours and prepare school bags the night before to avoid a rushed morning.
Final Update
The announcement of the Ramadan School Timings schedule is a proactive and welcome move by the Punjab government. It successfully balances academic requirements with spiritual and physical well-being. By following the 08:30 AM to 01:00 PM routine, schools can continue to educate the youth effectively without causing unnecessary exhaustion.