2026 Academic Year Disrupted By Climate Change Effects

In a recent announcement, the academic year in Punjab is set to commence on April 1, 2026, as reported by BOL News. However, this scheduling comes in the wake of significant disruptions caused by climate change throughout 2025, which severely affected educational activities across the region. According to the Tribune Latest, schools faced closures for an additional 20 to 25 days due to extreme weather conditions, including persistent smog, harsh winters, and extreme summer heat. Notably, in November 2025, dense smog forced authorities to suspend classes for nearly 10 to 12 days, a situation that has become increasingly common in the province. The Education Department spokesperson noted that despite efforts to maintain an academic session close to 200 days, effective teaching days fell to between 190 and 200 due to these disruptions.