Nagpur: All recognized primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools across Maharashtra will observe their Diwali vacation from November 2 to November 14, 2026, according to a recent directive issued by the State Secondary Education Department.
Schools will reopen on Monday, November 16, 2026, marking the official commencement of the second term for the 2026–27 academic year.
Academic Timelines and Compliance Norms
The comprehensive circular released by the Education Department outlines key operational schedules and holiday limits for all recognized private and state-run secondary and higher secondary institutions:
• First Term Duration: The ongoing first term, which commenced on Monday, June 15, 2026, will formally conclude on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
• Working Days Mandate: To ensure the full completion of the prescribed curriculum, schools must maintain a minimum of 230 instructional working days throughout the academic year.
• Holiday Cap: In accordance with the Secondary Schools Code, total holidays across the academic year cannot exceed 76 days.
While state board institutions will commence their break on November 2, schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the region have aligned their schedule slightly differently. CBSE schools will observe Diwali holidays from November 5 to November 15, reopening alongside State Board institutions on November 16.
Education authorities have directed school administrators to strictly enforce compliance with these dates and mandatory working day regulations.
