Amid worsening air quality across Delhi NCR, schools in Noida, Ghaziabad and the national capital have switched to online or hybrid modes of learning to limit students’ exposure to polluted air. However, no official notification has been issued so far for schools in Gurugram, and authorities said updates will be shared once a decision is taken.

At least four monitoring stations in Delhi – Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Wazirpur – recorded an AQI of 500 around 7 am on Monday. In Delhi, the Directorate of Education said the decision to allow hybrid classes has been taken in compliance with directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

On December 13, CAQM had invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the city’s Air Quality Index crossed the ‘Severe+’ threshold. Under the hybrid system, schools may conduct both physical and online classes wherever online education is feasible.

Stage-IV of GRAP typically involves emergency measures such as a ban on most construction and demolition activities, restrictions on the entry of non-essential diesel trucks, curbs on certain categories of vehicles and advisories to reduce outdoor activities, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses.

In addition, the Delhi government has directed both government and private offices to reduce on-site attendance. Physical attendance has been capped at 50 per cent, with the remaining employees working from home. While senior officials and department heads are required to report regularly, staff may be called in as needed to ensure the continuity of essential and emergency services.

Meanwhile, in Noida, students from pre-nursery to Class 5 will continue with fully online classes until further notice. Students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will attend classes in a hybrid format, according to a circular issued by the Noida school authority.

Ghaziabad has announced similar measures. The District Inspector of Schools stated that classes from pre-nursery and nursery up to Class 5 will be conducted entirely online, while Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 will follow a hybrid model. The order, issued in view of the adverse impact of air pollution on students’ health, will remain in force from December 14, 2025, until further notice. School heads and coaching centre operators have been directed to strictly follow the instructions.

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