Patna: As winter temperatures continue to fall sharply in Bihar, district authorities have imposed new school timings in an effort to shield children from a surge in viral infections. An order in this regard has been issued in Patna after a growing number of students reported illnesses linked to early-morning cold conditions.
Patna District Magistrate Dr Thyagarajan S.M. has directed that all classes up to grade eight will not be allowed to operate before 8.30am or after 4pm. The restrictions, introduced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, apply to government and private schools, pre-schools and Anganwadi centres. They will remain in force from Thursday until December 18.
जिले में अत्यधिक ठंड का मौसम एवं कम तापमान की स्थिति के कारण बच्चों के स्वास्थ्य एवं जीवन पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ने की संभावना के दृष्टिगत जिला दंडाधिकारी, पटना द्वारा प्री-स्कूल, आँगनबाड़ी केन्द्रों सहित जिला के सभी निजी एवं सरकारी विद्यालयों में वर्ग 8 तक की शैक्षणिक गतिविधियों… pic.twitter.com/VTkzaMysGh
— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) December 10, 2025
Officials said the timings could be revised again depending on changes in the weather. Special classes and examinations related to pre-board and board exams have been exempted and will continue as scheduled.
The district administration has instructed the SSP, SDO, BDO and station house officers to ensure strict compliance from Thursday. The District Education Officer and the District Programme Officer of ICDS have also been directed to monitor adherence to the revised schedule.
The order comes as parts of Bihar experience their coldest spell of the season. Sabour in Bhagalpur and Aurangabad recorded minimum temperatures of 8°C, while dense fog shrouded Madhepura, Khagaria, Nalanda and Patna in the past 24 hours.
#अधिकतम #तापमान और #परिवर्तन पिछले 24 घंटा #बिहार जिलों से। pic.twitter.com/WjtLIk798u
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) December 10, 2025
According to the India Meteorological Department, dense fog is expected to persist for the next three to four days, alongside a gradual decline in daytime temperatures. Officials warned that severe cold could grip the state after December 19, with westerly winds further intensifying winter conditions, particularly in East and North Bihar.
