Srinagar: As winter temperatures in the Kashmir valley are all set to plunge well below freezing, a growing number of parents are voicing serious concerns over CBSE schools’ decisions to conduct examinations till mid-December. Despite the traditional winter break observed by most regional institutions, some CBSE-affiliated schools are requiring students to leave their homes early in the morning and sit for exams in extreme cold, conditions many residents say will put health of their kids at risk.
For decades, schools in Kashmir have adjusted their schedules according to the region’s unique and severe winter climate, typically shutting down in late November and reopening only when the weather improves in the spring. However, the recent trend of continuing academic sessions and holding examinations through the winter has left many parents feeling concerned and frustrated.
“It is unimaginable to expect our children to step outside when temperatures are often below zero,” said Aasiya Jabeen , a mother of two school-going children. “Last year, several children fell ill because they had to wake up early and travel in the biting cold for their exams. Why is academic pressure being placed above their health?”
Parents argue that these decisions ignore local realities and put students’ well-being at risk. Several have questioned whether the rigid adherence to national academic calendars should come at the cost of children’s safety.
“Children are not equipped to handle this kind of extreme cold, especially early in the mornings,” said Bashir Ahmad Lone, another concerned parent. “Even adults find it hard to be out at that hour. Why can’t schools adjust their schedules for the unique situation in Kashmir?”
The issue has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many calling upon the education department to issue fresh guidelines safeguarding students during winter months.
“We urge the authorities to intervene and instruct schools to prioritize the health and safety of students over exam timetables,” Aasiya added.
