All educational institutions across the country are set to observe an uninterrupted five-day holiday this February. From the beginning of the month, successive public and weekly holidays have already disrupted regular classroom activities. Building on this pattern, schools and colleges will remain closed from 11 February to 15 February, marking the first extended break of the year.
Analysis of the Ministry of Education’s official holiday schedule reveals that this will be 2026’s longest consecutive holiday period to date. The five-day break results from a combination of the national parliamentary election, weekly holidays, and a religious festival, providing students with a continuous period of respite.
The 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled for 11 and 12 February, prompting the government to declare both days as public holidays to ensure smooth voting and maintain law and order. Consequently, all government and non-government educational institutions will remain closed on these dates.
Following the election-related holidays, 13 and 14 February fall on Friday and Saturday, the regular weekly holidays for most educational institutions. The break is further extended by 15 February, which is observed as a public holiday for Shri Shri Shivratri, a major religious festival celebrated by the Hindu community. On this day, all schools and colleges will remain closed.
According to the Ministry of Education, this will be the fifth official holiday of 2026 and is regarded as the year’s first major break. Students, parents, and teachers alike can use this extended holiday for family time, travel, or academic preparation.
In addition, the government has declared 10 February as a public holiday for industrial workers in urban areas, further amplifying the overall holiday atmosphere in the country ahead of the elections.
Holiday Schedule: 11–15 February 2026
| Date | Day | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 11 February | Tuesday | 13th National Parliamentary Election (Public Holiday) |
| 12 February | Wednesday | 13th National Parliamentary Election (Public Holiday) |
| 13 February | Friday | Weekly Holiday |
| 14 February | Saturday | Weekly Holiday |
| 15 February | Sunday | Shri Shri Shivratri (Religious Holiday) |
Education officials express hope that, following this extended break, schools and colleges will resume academic activities with renewed focus and energy, helping students and teachers to regain momentum in their studies and instructional plans.