In a major administrative relief for millions of students, parents, and teachers across the state, the Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, has officially revised Rajasthan government school timings for the month of October 2026. Under the new state-wide directive, the transition to standard winter working hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)—which traditionally takes effect on October 1 every academic year—has been formally postponed to October 16, 2026.
📋 Quick Summary: Rajasthan Government School Timings Order
- Old Winter Timetable Date: Was scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026.
- Revised Winter Start Date: Now effective from Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Current Single-Shift Timing: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM (extended until October 15).
- Current Double-Shift Timing: Shift 1: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM; Shift 2: 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Reason for Postponement: Sustained high daytime temperatures, afternoon humidity (‘October heat’), and representations by teacher associations.
- Jurisdiction: Applicable across 65,000+ government and affiliated elementary/secondary schools in Rajasthan.
Comparative Schedule: Current vs Winter Rajasthan Government School Timings
The Education Department’s Shivira Panchang (Academic Calendar) mandates strict observance of seasonal hours to safeguard student welfare. Below is the comprehensive comparison of current extended hours and upcoming winter shifts:
| Category / School Type | Effective Period | Opening Time | Closing Time | Working Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Shift (Current) | Until Oct 15, 2026 | 07:30 AM | 01:00 PM | Morning shift to avoid peak afternoon heat |
| Single Shift (Winter) | From Oct 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Standard winter hours across elementary & secondary |
| Double Shift: Shift 1 | Until Oct 15, 2026 | 07:00 AM | 12:30 PM | Primary sections in congested urban schools |
| Double Shift: Shift 2 | Until Oct 15, 2026 | 12:30 PM | 06:00 PM | Secondary & Higher Secondary sections |
Why Did the Rajasthan Education Department Postpone Winter Hours?
The decision to modify the academic schedule was prompted by meteorological conditions and formal representations from key stakeholders:
1. Prevailing ‘October Heat’ Across Rajasthan
Although the monsoon has formally begun withdrawing from northwestern India, daytime temperatures across several Rajasthan districts—including Bikaner, Jodhpur, Tonk, and parts of Mewar—continue to hover between 35°C and 38°C. Afternoon humidity remains uncomfortably high. Had schools shifted to the 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM slot on October 1, young students would have been exposed to extreme mid-day solar radiation during peak classroom hours.
2. Representations by Teacher Associations and Parents
Prominent educational bodies, including the Rajasthan Shikshak Sangh (Rashtriya) and the Rajasthan Educational Service Union (RESU), submitted formal memorandums to Education Minister Madan Dilawar and the Director of Secondary Education. They highlighted that rural students often walk 2 to 4 kilometers to attend senior secondary schools, making late-afternoon return journeys hazardous under current thermal conditions.
Acting promptly on these field reports, the Directorate issued an order under Section 19 of the Rajasthan Education Code, aligning school routines with public health considerations on the official Rajasthan Education Portal.
Impact on Udaipur District: Compliance and Field Instructions
In Udaipur district, Chief District Education Officer (CDEO) and District Education Officer (Secondary) have circulated the notification to all Block Elementary Education Officers (BEEOs) and institutional heads across Udaipur urban, Mavli, Vallabhnagar, Salumbar, Girwa, Gogunda, Jhadol, and Kotra:
- Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Timings: Hot cooked meals under the PM-POSHAN scheme must be served between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM under the extended morning schedule.
- Morning Assembly and Prayer: Daily assemblies must conclude by 07:45 AM, and students must remain sheltered in shaded courtyards or indoor halls.
- Sports and Outdoor Drills: Vigorous outdoor physical training periods during the final periods (after 12:00 PM) have been temporarily prohibited until temperatures moderate.
This educational update coincides with a momentous week for academic institutions in the Lake City, as Udaipur prepares for the historic President Droupadi Murmu visit for MLSU’s 32nd Convocation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the current Rajasthan government school timings?
Until October 15, 2026, single-shift Rajasthan government school timings are 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Double-shift schools run from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Shift 1) and 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM (Shift 2).
When will the winter school timetable start in Rajasthan?
The winter timetable (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) will officially start on Friday, October 16, 2026, across all single-shift government schools.
Why was the winter school schedule postponed from October 1?
The postponement from October 1 to October 16 was ordered due to persistent daytime heat and humidity across Rajasthan, protecting school children from heat-related discomfort.
Does this timing change apply to private schools in Rajasthan?
While the order is mandatory for all government and government-aided schools, private institutions recognized under the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) are strongly advised to align their primary section timings accordingly.
Where can parents and teachers download the official order?
The official notification is available on the Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner portal at education.rajasthan.gov.in and through district education office circulars.