Puja Vacation 2026: Is Your School Closing on October 16? Check Latest Reopening Dates

Puja break begins this week across West Bengal, with most schools shutting from October 16 and many resuming classes on October 26 or 27. Families should plan travel and revisions now, because a few institutions follow different calendars and exam shifts are already in effect across boards and universities. Verify your school’s circular before booking tickets or coaching sessions.

The state model holiday window typically runs from Maha Chaturthi to the Additional Day, effectively October 15 to 26 this year. Several Kolkata private schools list October 16 to 26 as the Puja break, with reopening on Tuesday, October 27. These patterns align with the festival dates published on the state’s Puja portal.

West Bengal Puja vacation dates and reopening plan

Expect a ten to eleven day closure in many districts, centred on October 16 to 26, and classes resuming October 26 afternoon or October 27. Individual schools publish precise reporting times and transport notices, so check official ERP or email updates. Private institutions commonly treat October 27 as full attendance, not a soft landing.

District and school variations: what to check now

Some campuses start on October 15, while a few club Puja with Lakshmi or Diwali, extending breaks into early November. Others keep only the Puja core and reopen on October 27 with mandatory attendance. Read your school’s circular, then confirm bus routes and revised unit‑test windows.

Exam shifts and practicals: revised dates you must note

Higher Secondary Semester III papers were reshuffled; key subjects now run October 12 to 14, while vocational papers moved to October 13. Several schools have pushed projects and practical submissions to the first day after reopening, with attendance flagged compulsory. Carry the updated admit card, though older cards remain valid if advised.

Kolkata traffic and pandal advisories for school transport

Kolkata Police have enforced idol‑movement curbs through October 16 and issued Puja‑week diversions affecting major corridors and bus routes. Expect slower runs near popular pandals; some gates and one‑way grids change after dusk. Parents should confirm new pick‑up points, buffer departure times, and consider metro or shuttle options.

Quick parent checklist before the break

Check the school ERP, website, or diary for exact closure and reporting times. Reconfirm transport diversions and gate changes for October 26–27. Note any rescheduled tests or practicals and print fresh timetables. If your school links Puja with Diwali, adjust hostel returns and coaching sessions accordingly to avoid attendance penalties.