New Delhi, 15 December 2025: The Delhi government has announced the suspension of physical classes for students from Nursery to Class V with immediate effect, citing persistently high levels of air pollution and hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across the national capital. The decision aims to protect young children, who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted air, while ensuring continuity of education through online learning.
According to an official press release from the Office of the Minister of Education, all government, government-aided, and unaided private recognized schools in Delhi are required to conduct classes for students in Nursery to Class V exclusively through online modes during this period. The suspension will remain in effect until further orders, depending on improvements in air quality.
Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized that the health and well-being of children is the government’s highest priority. He stated that the decision to halt in-person classes was taken after careful consideration of the prevailing environmental conditions, which have consistently placed Delhi’s AQI in the “hazardous” category. The minister added that the move is a precautionary step designed to safeguard children from immediate and long-term health risks, including respiratory issues and other pollution-related complications.
Officials highlighted that while younger students will continue learning online, classes for students above Class V will operate as per existing directives issued on 13 December 2025. This distinction was made in recognition of the heightened vulnerability of younger children to air pollution compared to older students.
The Delhi government has instructed all school heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to immediately inform parents and guardians about the revised arrangements. Deputy Directors of Education at zonal and district levels have also been directed to closely monitor implementation and ensure smooth adherence across all schools. Authorities stressed that any lapses in compliance will be addressed promptly.
Sood reiterated that while maintaining educational continuity is essential, it cannot come at the cost of student health. Online classes have been designed to provide uninterrupted learning while minimizing exposure to unsafe environmental conditions. The government is monitoring the situation on a daily basis in coordination with health and environmental authorities and will take further action as required.
The press release also noted that the decision was guided by scientific assessments and health advisories warning against prolonged outdoor exposure during periods of severe air pollution. By shifting younger students to online learning, the Delhi administration seeks to mitigate health risks while ensuring students continue to receive quality education.
This move marks the latest instance of the Delhi government implementing emergency educational measures in response to environmental challenges, highlighting the increasing influence of air pollution on public policy and urban governance. The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to balancing child safety with uninterrupted educational delivery, with ongoing reviews planned based on changes in air quality.
The Delhi government’s proactive approach underscores its dual focus: protecting the health of young learners and maintaining academic progress during periods of extreme pollution. Parents have been advised to facilitate online learning at home and ensure that children follow preventive measures to limit exposure to outdoor pollutants.
