The Delhi Directorate of Education has released its academic calendar for 2024–25, declaring a 51-day summer vacation for all government and government-aided schools. The summer break, scheduled from May 11 to June 30, comes as temperatures begin to soar in the capital, offering much-needed respite for students.
However, while students will enjoy an extended holiday, teachers have been asked to return to school premises earlier than usual. According to the circular issued by the Delhi government, all teaching and administrative staff will report back on June 26, five days before schools reopen for students on July 1. This decision is aimed at ensuring smooth reopening and adequate preparation for the upcoming academic session.
Extended Break to Beat the Heat
The 51-day break is one of the longest in recent years, reflecting concerns over the intense summer heat Delhi experiences in May and June. With mercury levels already crossing 40°C in parts of the city and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting above-normal temperatures this year, the decision is being seen as both a health and academic necessity.
Parents and students have welcomed the announcement, especially given the city’s climate and the physical strain of attending classes in such conditions. The break also gives families the opportunity to plan vacations or visit hometowns during this time, especially in the absence of any COVID-related restrictions this year.
Teachers Return for Preparations
While students are away, teachers returning on June 26 will be tasked with preparing classrooms, updating academic materials, and planning lessons for the upcoming session. Orientation meetings, departmental reviews, and infrastructure checks are expected to be carried out during this five-day window before students return.
According to the Directorate’s official notification, these days will also be used to analyze student performance data from the previous term, especially for students moving into board exam years like Classes 10 and 12. Teachers may also engage in internal training sessions and collaborate on curriculum mapping for the new academic year.
Key Highlights from the Academic Calendar
Apart from the summer vacation schedule, the academic calendar also outlines important term dates, examination schedules, and public holidays for the year:
- First Term: Begins on April 1 and runs until mid-September
- Mid-Term Exams: Likely to be held in the last week of September
- Winter Break: Expected from January 1 to January 15, 2025
- Final Exams: Tentatively scheduled for March 2025
- Board Practical Exams: Slated for January 2025 for Classes 10 and 12
- Public Holidays: The calendar includes all national and gazetted holidays, with special school-specific days earmarked for annual functions and sports meets.
The calendar is applicable to all Delhi government, government-aided, and municipal schools under the Directorate of Education.
Focus on Learning Recovery
In the wake of prolonged learning gaps caused by the pandemic in previous years, the Directorate has emphasized effective use of classroom hours in the new calendar. Schools have been encouraged to implement bridge courses and remedial classes in the early part of the session to help students adjust and catch up academically.
Special attention will be given to foundational literacy and numeracy skills under the government’s flagship “Mission Buniyaad” program. Teachers will be trained to identify learning levels and customize support where needed, especially in lower primary classes.
Public and Educational Response
The extended summer break and early return of teachers have received mixed reactions from educators. While some teachers appreciated the structured approach and preparation time, others expressed concern over reduced personal vacation days. Teachers’ associations have urged the administration to ensure that this time is utilized effectively and not burdened with excessive non-academic tasks.
Parents, on the other hand, are largely supportive of the schedule, noting the importance of both student safety in the heat and smooth school reopening.
The new academic calendar for Delhi schools reflects a thoughtful balance between student welfare and academic planning. As the city gears up for a sweltering summer, the 51-day vacation offers a breather for children, while early teacher engagement signals a more organized and proactive approach to education management in the capital.
