🏫 Punjab Saturday School Holiday Notification: Full Details

A major policy shift has been announced for the academic calendar across Punjab. The **GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** has issued a decisive notification impacting all educational institutions. Are you wondering how this change affects students, teachers, and administrative staff?

This post breaks down the official notification, No. SO(ACAD-I)1-31/2025, providing clarity on the mandatory **Saturday school holiday in Punjab** and the new alternate work schedule for staff. Understanding these new directives is crucial for everyone associated with the education sector in the province.

🗓️ New Punjab Saturday School Holiday Policy: Students vs. Staff

The core of the notification establishes two distinct policies: one for students and one for staff. It’s vital not to confuse the two to ensure **strict compliance** across all institutions, from primary schools to universities (Public & Private).

🎒 Complete Closure for All Students

As per **Clause 1** of the notification, all students—regardless of the type of institution (School, College, or University, public or private)—will receive a weekly holiday. **Every Saturday** will now be a non-instructional day for students.

💼 Alternate Holiday Schedule for Teaching and Administrative Staff

The policy for staff is structured differently to ensure administrative continuity. **Clause 2** states that teaching and administrative personnel will observe a holiday on **alternate Saturdays only**. The specific rotation schedule will be detailed and issued by the respective institutional heads.

Key takeaways from the directive:

• ✅ Students are off **EVERY** Saturday (New **Saturday School Holiday in Punjab**).
• 🔄 Staff are off on **ALTERNATE** Saturdays.
• 📋 Institutional heads must issue a clear rotation schedule for staff.
• ⚖️ The order applies equally to **Public and Private** institutions.

🔨 Ensuring Strict Compliance: Directives to Institution Heads

The notification is unequivocal regarding adherence. **Clause 3** places the responsibility for ensuring the new schedule is followed squarely on the **Heads of all Educational Institutions**. Failure to comply with the **GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT**’s orders could lead to official action.

A copy of the notification was forwarded to numerous high-ranking officials to ensure widespread communication and enforcement. This list demonstrates the extensive reach and seriousness of the new directive across the province.

📌 Key Recipients of the Official Notification

Designation	Role in Enforcement
All Deputy Commissioners in Punjab	Primary district-level enforcement.
Director Public Instructions (SE / EE)	Direct oversight of school education.
All Chief Executive Officers (DEAs)	Operational management at the district level.
Director General, Public Relations	Official communication and media coordination.

For more updates and provincial policies, you can always check the official website of the Government of Punjab (High Authority External Link).

❓ FAQs: Your Questions on the Punjab Saturday School Holiday Answered

Q: Does the Saturday school holiday apply to private colleges and universities in Punjab?

A: Yes, absolutely. The official notification, No. SO(ACAD-I)1-31/2025, explicitly states that the closure applies to **all Educational Institutions across Punjab, including Schools, Colleges, and Universities (Public & Private)**. This ensures uniform application of the **Saturday school holiday in Punjab** across the entire province.

Q: When exactly does the new Saturday holiday schedule take effect?

A: The notification is dated October 28, 2025, and is effective pursuant upon the approval of the Competent Authority. All heads of institutions were immediately directed to ensure **strict compliance** with these orders, meaning the policy is effective immediately from the date of issuance.

Q: Will teachers and administrative staff get a full weekend off under the new policy?

A: No, only on alternate weekends. While students get every Saturday off, teaching and administrative staff will observe a holiday on **alternate Saturdays only**. The head of your institution will provide the specific rotation schedule for staff.

Q: Who signed the official notification for the Punjab School Education Department?

A: The official notification was signed by **Mr. Khalid Nazir Wattoo, PAS**, the Secretary of the School Education Department. This confirms the high level of authority and the official nature of the new order regarding the **Punjab Saturday school holiday**.

Q: Can a school or college opt out of the alternate Saturday schedule for staff?

A: No. The notification mandates **strict compliance** from all heads of institutions. While the schedule of alternate Saturdays is determined locally, the principle of only one Saturday off per fortnight for staff is a directive from the **GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT**.

Q: Does this new directive change the daily working hours on weekdays?

A: The current notification, No. SO(ACAD-I)1-31/2025, specifically addresses the Saturday holiday policy. It does **not** mention any change to the daily or weekly working hours from Monday to Friday. Any changes to those hours would require a separate, subsequent official notification.

Q: What is the main benefit of implementing the Saturday school holiday for students?

A: The primary benefit, often cited in similar education policies, is to provide students with a longer recovery period, reducing academic stress, and allowing for family time. The new **Saturday school holiday in Punjab** aims to improve the overall well-being of the student body.

Q: Is this policy applicable to educational institutions in South Punjab?

A: Yes, the policy applies across the entire province. Copies of the notification were specifically forwarded to the Director Public Instructions and the PS to the Secretary, School & Higher Education Department, **South Punjab**, confirming its jurisdiction there.

Q: Who is responsible for issuing the staff holiday schedule?

A: **All heads of institutions** are directed to issue the specific schedule for staff holidays. They must ensure that the teaching and administrative staff only observe a holiday on alternate Saturdays, as outlined in the official orders.

Q: Will the alternate staff holiday schedule be the same for every school in Punjab?

A: While the principle of “alternate Saturdays” is provincial, the specific rotation (i.e., which Saturday is off) is to be determined by the **respective institutions**. Therefore, the exact schedule may vary between different schools, colleges, and universities across the province.

📚 Conclusion: Understanding the New Saturday School Holiday in Punjab

The official announcement from the **GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** marks a significant calendar change for the province. The universal closure for students on **every Saturday** grants a welcome break, while the alternate schedule for staff ensures administrative operations continue smoothly. We strongly recommend that all concerned parties refer to the official notification and the schedule issued by their institution to ensure perfect compliance with the new **Punjab Saturday School Holiday** policy. Stay tuned to our site, Educational Trending News, for the fastest updates.

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