On Thursday, November 14, a range of educational changes take effect across parts of India as school operations adapt to local conditions. In the eastern state of Bihar, and the southern region of Telangana, schools will remain closed for the day. Meanwhile, in the capital region of Delhi, schools for students up to Class 5 are shifting to a hybrid mode of teaching (in-person plus online) until further notice. 

The reason behind Bihar’s closure is tied to the ongoing assembly elections: the Election Commission of India declared November 14 a paid holiday for schools in the state, aligning with the voting process. In Telangana, bye-elections in the 61-Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency have resulted in paid holidays in schools and offices serving as polling or counting centres. 

Delhi’s shift to hybrid mode, however, is attributed to worsening air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). With the region under Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), younger students will be taught partly online to reduce exposure to polluted air. The directive covers government, aided and recognized private schools under the city’s education authorities. 

For parents and students, this means planning adjustments: in Bihar and Telangana, the holiday brings a day off, while in Delhi, families must prepare for mixed learning routines and decide on online vs in-school attendance. Teachers and schools must manage swift transitions and communicate clearly. The move reflects how educational institutions are increasingly responsive to environmental and civic realities adapting to elections in one case and air-quality hazards in another.

While the disruption may be short-term, the underlying message is clear: schools no longer operate solely in stable conditions they must also respond to external factors like public health, civic duty and environment. Students, parents and educators alike are part of this evolving ecosystem of education.