Gujarat School Diwali Vacation 2026: Holiday Schedule & Upcoming Exam Dates
Gujarat school students and parents can plan their festive holidays following the announcement of the 2026 Diwali vacation schedule. According to the Gujarati newspaper report dated October 29, 2026, the Directorate of Primary Education issued a circular on October 26 regarding the school vacation and upcoming examination schedule.
The Diwali vacation in Gujarat’s recognised primary schools will begin on November 5, 2026, and continue until November 25, 2026, giving students a total of 21 days off. The second academic term will begin on November 26, 2026.
The announcement is important for students, parents, teachers, and school administrators across Gujarat, including Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. Students should also prepare for upcoming preliminary examinations, practical tests, and the 2027 Gujarat Board examinations.
Gujarat School Diwali Vacation 2026: Important Dates
The key dates for the Diwali vacation and upcoming examinations are as follows:
- Diwali Vacation Begins: November 5, 2026.
- Last Day of Diwali Vacation: November 25, 2026.
- Second Academic Term Begins: November 26, 2026.
- First Examinations for Classes 9 to 12: October 22 to November 2, 2026.
- Preliminary Examinations for Classes 10 to 12: January 18 to January 28, 2027.
- Prakharata Shodh Kasoti: January 30, 2027.
- Class 12 Science Practical Examinations: February 5 to February 13, 2027.
- SSC and HSC Board Examinations: February 25 to March 17, 2027.
- Annual Examinations for Classes 9 and 11: April 5 to April 20, 2027.
Students should confirm the subject-wise examination timetable and any subsequent changes with their respective schools and the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB).
21-Day Diwali Vacation for Gujarat Schools
The 21-day Diwali vacation will allow students to celebrate the festival with their families and take a break from regular classroom activities. The holiday period starts on November 5 and ends on November 25, with regular academic activities scheduled to resume on November 26.
The Directorate of Primary Education has issued instructions regarding the vacation schedule to help maintain consistency across schools. The arrangements also involve coordination between district education authorities and the relevant school administrations.
The circular applies to recognised primary schools, while secondary and higher secondary schools should follow the applicable instructions issued by the concerned authorities.
Parents are advised to check their schools’ official notices for confirmation of reopening dates, attendance requirements, and any additional instructions.
Gujarat School Examination Schedule 2026–2027
Along with the Diwali holiday announcement, students should pay attention to the examination schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- First Examinations for Classes 9 to 12
The first examinations for Classes 9 to 12 are scheduled from October 22 to November 2, 2026. These examinations take place before the Diwali vacation begins.
Students should complete their revision on time, follow the examination timetable provided by their schools, and prepare for each subject according to the prescribed syllabus.
- Preliminary Examinations for Classes 10 to 12
The preliminary examinations are scheduled from January 18 to January 28, 2027. These examinations help students evaluate their preparation before the final board examinations.
Students should focus on important topics, practise sample papers, and revise subjects regularly to improve their confidence and performance.
- Prakharata Shodh Kasoti
The Prakharata Shodh Kasoti is scheduled for January 30, 2027. Students and schools should check the relevant official instructions for eligibility, examination arrangements, and other requirements.
- Class 12 Science Practical Examinations
The practical examinations for Class 12 Science students are scheduled from February 5 to February 13, 2027.
Students should prepare their practical journals, experiments, laboratory procedures, and subject-related concepts according to their teachers’ guidance.
- Gujarat Board SSC and HSC Examinations
The Gujarat Board’s SSC and HSC examinations are scheduled from February 25 to March 17, 2027.
These examinations are particularly important for students in Classes 10 and 12 because their results play a significant role in their further academic choices.
Students should monitor official GSEB announcements for the final subject-wise timetable, hall ticket information, examination centres, and other instructions.
- Annual Examinations for Classes 9 and 11
The annual examinations for Classes 9 and 11 are scheduled from April 5 to April 20, 2027.
Students should use the second academic term to complete their syllabus, revise important chapters, and prepare for their annual assessments. Teachers and school administrators will also need to plan classroom activities in accordance with the academic calendar.
Teacher Training Institutes: Important Schedule
The newspaper report also mentions arrangements for teacher training institutions. First-year academic activities at certain teacher training institutes are scheduled to resume on November 19, 2026, to help meet prescribed working-day requirements under National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) norms.
This schedule may differ from the school Diwali vacation dates. Trainee teachers should therefore confirm their reporting dates and academic arrangements directly with their respective institutions.
How Students Can Use the Diwali Vacation Effectively
The 21-day break provides an opportunity for students to enjoy Diwali while maintaining a balanced approach to their studies.
Students can make the most of the vacation by following these suggestions:
- Complete pending assignments: Finish schoolwork before the holidays begin to avoid unnecessary pressure later.
- Revise important subjects: Spend some time reviewing topics already covered in class.
- Practise sample papers: Students preparing for board examinations can solve previous question papers and practise time management.
- Enjoy festive activities: Participate in family celebrations, cultural programmes, and traditional Diwali activities.
- Maintain a healthy routine: Get adequate sleep, eat balanced meals, and take regular breaks from studying.
- Prepare for reopening: Organise books, notebooks, and study materials before school resumes on November 26.
A balanced holiday routine can help students enjoy the festival while staying prepared for the next academic term.
Conclusion
The Gujarat School Diwali Vacation 2026 is scheduled from November 5 to November 25, providing students with a 21-day festive break. The second academic term will begin on November 26, 2026.
With preliminary examinations scheduled for January 2027, Class 12 Science practical examinations in February, and SSC and HSC board examinations beginning on February 25, students should plan their studies carefully.
Parents and students are advised to follow official school notices and announcements from the Gujarat education authorities for the latest updates on vacation dates and examination schedules.
