Chennai School Holiday List 2026 (Updated)

The Chennai School Holiday List 2026 (academic session 2026-27) has been officially notified by the Directorate of School Education, Tamil Nadu. This calendar applies to all government, government-aided, matriculation, and recognised private schools in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu (Primary to Higher Secondary). CBSE and ICSE schools in Chennai (such as those in Anna Nagar, Adyar, Velachery, or OMR) largely align with the state gazetted holidays while following their own vacation patterns.

Parents, students, and teachers searching for “Chennai school holiday list 2026”, “Tamil Nadu summer vacation 2026”, “Chennai school Pongal holidays”, “Chennai Diwali vacation 2026”, “Tamil Nadu avkash talika 2026 PDF”, or “Chennai school winter break 2026” will find the most accurate, complete, and up-to-date details here.

Important Note: This is the official model holiday & academic calendar. Moon-sighting festival dates (Ramzan, Bakrid, Muharram, etc.) are tentative and subject to government notification. Private/CBSE schools may add 2–3 restricted holidays. Always verify with your school notice board or the latest circular on education.tn.gov.in.

Key Highlights – Chennai School Holidays 2026-27

• Total Gazetted + Festival Holidays: 20–24 days (mandatory)
• Major Vacations: Summer (≈45 days – longest), Dussehra/Autumn Break (3 days), Diwali Break (short), Pongal Break (3–4 days), Winter Break (8–10 days)
• Total Non-Working Days: Approximately 75–85 days (including Sundays & vacations)
• Academic Session: April 2026 – March 2027
• Special Focus for Chennai: Early summer vacation due to heat and elections; Pongal (mid-January) and Diwali (November) create major festive clusters
• Applicability: All schools under Tamil Nadu School Education Department in Chennai
  
  

Chennai School Major Vacation Schedule 2026-27

Pro Tip for Chennai Parents: The 45-day Summer Vacation (starting mid-April) is ideal for family trips or coaching. The October–November festive window (Dussehra + Diwali) and Pongal break offer excellent extended holidays.

Chennai School Holiday List 2026

*Dates of moon-sighting festivals are tentative.

Month-wise Quick View – Chennai School Holidays 2026-27

• January–April 2026: Pongal cluster (major 4-day break), Republic Day, Ramzan, Tamil New Year, Good Friday
• May–August 2026: Summer Vacation (45 days – longest break) + May Day, Bakrid, Muharram, Independence Day
• September–December 2026 + January 2027: Vinayakar Chathurthi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra + Diwali + Christmas + Winter Break + Pongal 2027 (heaviest festive season)
  
  

Chennai Government / Matriculation vs CBSE / Private Schools

• Tamil Nadu Board / Government & Aided Schools (majority in Chennai): Strictly follow the above calendar.
• CBSE / ICSE Private Schools (e.g., in Velachery, Anna Nagar, or OMR): Follow state gazetted holidays + KVS-style vacations (Summer ≈ May–mid June, Autumn Break 10 days in Oct, Winter Break 11 days in Dec–Jan). Minor variations possible.
• Matriculation Schools: Align closely with the state model.
  
  

Why This Holiday List Matters for Parents & Students in Chennai

• Plan summer coaching, family trips to hill stations, or competitive exam preparation during the long summer break.
• Book travel early for Pongal (January) and Diwali (November) — peak festive seasons in Chennai.
• Maintain minimum attendance requirements by planning around compulsory holidays only.
  
  

Official Sources to Download Chennai / Tamil Nadu School Holiday List 2026 PDF

• Directorate of School Education, Tamil Nadu: education.tn.gov.in → Circulars / Academic Calendar
• Tamil Nadu Government Portal: tn.gov.in → Holidays
• School Education Department notifications

Bookmark this page — it is updated as per the latest official releases and is the most comprehensive resource for Chennai school holidays 2026.

FAQ – Chennai School Holiday List 2026

Q1. When is Summer Vacation in Chennai schools 2026? A: From 17 April 2026 to 31 May 2026 (45 days), with schools reopening on 01 June 2026 (Tamil Nadu Board schools).

Q2. How long is Pongal vacation in Chennai schools 2026? A: 14–17 January 2026 (4 days) — one of the biggest festive breaks.

Q3. When is Diwali vacation in Chennai schools 2026? A: Diwali falls on 08 November 2026 (Sunday). Schools usually give a short break around it, often combined with Dussehra holidays.

Q4. Is the holiday list the same for government and private schools in Chennai? A: Largely uniform for gazetted holidays. CBSE/ICSE schools may have slightly different vacation durations.

Q5. Where to check the latest updates for Chennai school holiday list 2026? A: Official Tamil Nadu School Education Department website, school notice board, or trusted education portals.