Delhi schools will return to physical classrooms for most students after the Christmas break, specifically for students in classes 6 to 9 and 11. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently relaxed the strictest pollution controls as air quality improved from the “Severe+” category to “Poor”.

On 24 December, the Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a new circular. It ends the Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Primary classes to remain online?

Primary classes, up to Class 5, have been instructed to follow a hybrid format, conducting classes in both physical and online modes. With GRAP Stage III measures in place, Delhi schools will conduct classes for children up to Class V in hybrid mode.

Secondary classes to go offline?

The Delhi government dropped new guidelines for classes 6 to 9 and 11. “All Heads of Schools of Government, Government Aided, Unaided Recognised Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct normal (in physical mode) classes in schools for students of classes VI to IX & XI. The classes for students up to Class V will be conducted in a Hybrid Mode, i.e. both in physical and online mode (wherever online mode is feasible) with immediate effect until further orders,” the circular stated.

What happens to board classes — X and XII?

Meanwhile, classes for grades 10 and 12 will continue in physical mode. The notification states, “It is pertinent to mention that classes for students of Classes X and XII are being conducted in physical mode and shall continue to be conducted in physical mode.”

Stringent anti-pollution measures, which were invoked under GRAP Stage 4, have been recalled in Delhi. The national capital recorded 220 average air quality index (AQI) at 8:05 AM on 25 December. However, pollution control measures under Stages 1, 2 and 3 will remain in force.

The CAQM in its order said, “Noting the continuous improvement in the AQI levels of Delhi, the Sub-Committee on GRAP in its meeting held today reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and observed that the AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement since yesterday night owing to high winds and favorable meteorological conditions and has been recorded as 271 (Poor category) on 24.12.2025.”

However, it noted the possibility of deterioration in air quality in the coming days: “Air Quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM suggests an increase in AQI of Delhi due to slower winds in the coming days.”