The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has released a revised winter timetable for all government-run schools and colleges across Islamabad. The updated schedule will remain in effect from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, covering all Islamabad Model Schools and Colleges located in both urban and rural areas. According to the official notification, institutions must strictly follow the revised timetable, which has been issued after considering the weather situation, fog intensity, shorter daylight, and student safety concerns.
Every year, FDE adjusts the school timings based on winter severity. However, the 2025–26 season is expected to be colder than usual, prompting the authority to issue the new schedule earlier. The revised timings aim to reduce early morning exposure, especially for younger students, and ensure safer school transportation during foggy mornings. FDE has also directed Area Education Officers (AEOs) to enforce immediate compliance and conduct regular monitoring visits across all institutions.
The decision affects thousands of students in Islamabad who face travel difficulties during peak winter months. With increasing fog, visibility issues, traffic congestion, and rising cases of seasonal flu, the updated schedule will help maintain regular attendance and support academic continuity.
Revised Timings for Single-Shift Schools
Single-shift schools form the majority of Islamabad’s government institutions. These schools will follow a unified schedule across the capital to ensure consistency.
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Montessori & Prep Classes: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for all five days
Montessori and Prep students have shorter school hours because of their age and vulnerability to winter illnesses. Parents have appreciated the decision, saying the reduced hours will help children avoid early-morning cold, which is often the strongest during December.
Teachers and administrators believe the schedule will improve classroom participation, reduce illnesses, and simplify pick-and-drop routines during the winter months.
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Revised ECE Timings (ECE-I & ECE-II)
To ensure better management of younger students, the FDE has divided Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes into two staggered groups:
ECE-I: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
ECE-II: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
The staggered system helps teachers focus on smaller groups, prevents overcrowding, and ensures that the youngest students are not exposed to extreme weather conditions for long hours. Schools have also been instructed to maintain warm and safe classroom environments for ECE sections.
Double-Shift School Timings
Islamabad has a number of double-shift institutions where morning and evening sessions operate separately. These schools will operate under the following revised schedule:
Morning Shift
Monday to Thursday: 8:15 AM to 1:15 PM
Friday: 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Evening Shift
Monday to Thursday: 1:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Evening shift schools especially benefit from the adjusted schedule because early sunsets make late travel risky. Ending classes at 6:00 PM ensures that students can return home before the temperature drops sharply after sunset.
Schools have been instructed to adjust their internal schedules—such as morning assemblies, breaks, and testing hours—according to the new timetable.
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Postgraduate Colleges – Flexible Timing Structure
For postgraduate colleges under FDE, a flexible timing policy has been introduced. They may operate:
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, or
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, depending on internal academic requirements
This flexibility is necessary because higher classes often require extended lab hours, practical work, and research-based activities. Colleges must ensure proper heating arrangements and safe transportation for students staying beyond the standard school hours.
Why FDE Revised the Winter Schedule
Several factors influenced Islamabad’s winter timing update for 2025–26. The decision aims to protect students and maintain academic performance during the season.
Major reasons include:
Extremely low morning temperatures expected this year
Thick fog predicted during December and January
Shorter daylight hours affecting evening-shift institutions
Increased flu and respiratory infections among children
Higher travel time due to low visibility and traffic delays
Safety concerns for students using school vans, buses, or public transport
The updated timings also support teachers and school staff, many of whom commute long distances from Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
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FDE’s Instructions to Schools
The notification outlines detailed instructions for principals and administration teams. Schools must:
Open gates on time and maintain discipline during entry and exit
Keep classrooms warm and ensure proper ventilation
Minimize outdoor activities during peak cold hours
Avoid scheduling tests in extremely cold weeks unless necessary
Update parents regularly through SMS and official school groups
Schools have also been advised to organize awareness sessions on winter safety, hygiene, and flu prevention.
Guidelines for Parents
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring students’ well-being during winter. FDE has issued the following precautionary advice:
Dress children in warm layers, including caps and gloves
Provide warm water bottles if needed
Avoid sending sick children to school
Ensure timely pick-and-drop to prevent long waiting outside gates
Stay updated through school announcements
Parents should also encourage their children to practice hand hygiene, as flu and viral infections spread quickly during winter.
Monitoring and Compliance
Area Education Officers (AEOs) are instructed to monitor attendance, inspect classrooms, and ensure proper implementation. Any school failing to follow the revised timetable may face official warnings. Principals are required to maintain daily reports and submit compliance updates to FDE.
The notification concludes that the revised winter timings have been approved by the Director General of FDE, making them mandatory for all institutions under its jurisdiction.
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Conclusion – Winter Timetable for All Islamabad Schools & Colleges
The revised winter timetable issued by the Federal Directorate of Education will help create a safer and more comfortable learning environment across Islamabad. With updated timings for single-shift schools, double-shift institutions, ECE groups, and postgraduate colleges, students and teachers can better manage their routines during the harsh winter season. The timely decision reflects FDE’s commitment to student safety, academic stability, and smooth school operations.
JobsCentre.pk will continue to update students, teachers, and parents regarding all new educational notifications, schedule changes, and official FDE announcements.
