Uttar Pradesh Schools Close for Dussehra Oct 1‑2, 2025
Oct, 8 2025
When Uttar Pradesh releases its academic calendar for the 2025‑26 year, families across the state start penciling in the two‑day break for Dussehra. The Uttar Pradesh Department of Education has confirmed that schools will be closed on Wednesday, 1 October (Maha Navami) and Thursday, 2 October (Vijayadashami), which also coincides with Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. Parents, teachers, and students are already adjusting travel plans, because – as many know – a two‑day shutdown can mean a mini‑vacation for a household that otherwise runs on a strict weekday schedule.
Background: How Uttar Pradesh Sets Its School Calendar
The state’s holiday schedule is drawn up each July by the Department of Education in consultation with the National Portal of India and the State Board of School Education. Historically, the calendar aligns with both national holidays – like Gandhi Jayanti – and regional festivals. For 2025, the list was double‑checked against sources such as Jagran Josh, the Times of India, and the HDFC Bank holiday database, all of which publish the same dates.
Exact Dates for the 2025 Dussehra Break
- 1 October 2025 (Wednesday) – Dussehra Maha Navami (restricted holiday)
- 2 October 2025 (Thursday) – Vijayadashami and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (gazetted holidays)
According to the greytHR public‑holiday list, the first day is marked as a “Restricted Holiday (R)”, meaning schools can optionally remain open, but most opt to shut down. The second day is a “Gazetted Holiday (G)”, which legally requires closure for all government‑run institutions.
Jagran Josh warned, “Parents are advised to confirm specific dates with their children's schools, as exact holiday schedules may vary.” That caution isn’t just bureaucratic fluff – Uttar Pradesh has more than 45,000 public schools and an equal number of private establishments, each with its own district‑level administration.
How the Holidays Compare Across Indian States
While Uttar Pradesh enjoys a compact two‑day break, neighboring states stretch the festival season farther. In Andhra Pradesh, government schools stay closed from 22 September all the way through 2 October, covering the entire Navratri period. Over in West Bengal, the Durga Puja festivities keep schools out of session from 26 September to 7 October. Delhi’s recent “autumn break” runs from 29 September to 1 October, meaning students there return on 3 October – just one day after Uttar Pradesh’s Dussehra holiday ends.
These disparities matter because many families have relatives spread across state lines, and transport bookings often hinge on the longest break. A teacher from Lucknow who commutes to Delhi for seminars noted, “I’ll be back in Delhi on the 3rd, but my kids will be in school that day, so I’m juggling two schedules.”
What Parents and Teachers Need to Know
Beyond the dates themselves, there are a few practical points that get lost in the official PDFs:
- Transport disruptions: State bus services run on a reduced timetable on both days. Private school vans often halt operations entirely.
- Examination schedules: The board has postponed the October‑June mid‑term tests by a week in most districts, giving students a tiny breather before the next assessment cycle.
- Salary disbursements: Government teachers receive their monthly salary on 30 September, but private school staff sometimes wait until the first working day after the break.
Dr. Sunita Verma, an education analyst at the Indian Institute of Education, explained, “A short, well‑timed holiday like this can actually improve student engagement. The key is clear communication from schools so parents can plan childcare or travel without surprises.”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Festivals and Academic Schedule
Once the Dussehra window closes, the calendar picks up speed. The next major festival break is Diwali, slated for 20 October 2025 (Monday). The sequence runs:
- 20 Oct – Diwali (Deepavali) – public holiday
- 21 Oct – Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan)
- 22 Oct – Govardhan Puja
- 23 Oct – Bhai Duj
These four days give teachers a chance to grade assignments and students a moment to recharge before the semester’s final stretch in December. Importantly, the Uttar Pradesh Department of Education has announced that no regular classes will be held on any of those dates, aligning the state with the national holiday calendar.
Key Facts at a Glance
- When: 1‑2 October 2025
- Where: Schools across Uttar Pradesh
- What: Dussehra Maha Navami and Vijayadashami, plus Gandhi Jayanti
- Why it matters: Over 90,000 schools (public + private) adjust their timetables, affecting millions of students and families
- Next break: Diwali, 20‑23 October 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Will private schools in Uttar Pradesh follow the same Dussehra dates?
Most private institutions align with the state‑issued calendar, but a handful of unaided schools set their own break dates. Parents should check directly with the school administration to avoid confusion.
How does the Dussehra break affect upcoming board examinations?
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education has shifted the October‑June mid‑term examinations by one week in most districts, giving students extra study time after the holiday.
Are there any transportation services available on the holidays?
State bus services run on a reduced schedule, and many private school vans suspend operations entirely. It’s wise to book alternative transport ahead of time.
What other festivals follow the Dussehra break?
After Dussehra, the next major holiday period is Diwali, observed from 20 October to 23 October 2025, with additional observances for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj.
Why do some districts list Dussehra as a restricted holiday?
A restricted holiday gives schools the option to stay open if they choose. In practice, most districts close schools on both days to align with the national holiday and to simplify logistics for families.