CBSE School Holiday List 2026-27 (Updated)
The CBSE School Holiday List 2026 is now available for the academic session 2026-27 (April 2026 to March 2027). Unlike state boards (WBBSE, BSEB, etc.), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) does not release a single uniform nationwide holiday list. Every CBSE-affiliated school prepares its own calendar based on: • Central Government Gazetted Holidays • State-specific and regional festivals • Local climate (summer/winter stations) • School management decisions
This comprehensive guide compiles the most commonly observed holidays and vacation periods across CBSE schools in India (including Kendriya Vidyalayas, private CBSE schools, and DPS/Navodaya schools). It is based on official circulars, KVS vacation schedules, and 2026-27 academic calendars published by leading CBSE institutions as of April 2026.
Parents and students searching for “CBSE school holiday list 2026”, “CBSE summer vacation 2026”, “CBSE Diwali vacation 2026”, “CBSE winter break 2026”, or “CBSE holiday list 2026-27 PDF” will find everything here in easy-to-use tables.
Important Note: Holiday and vacation dates can vary slightly by region and school. Always check your child’s school notice board, official website, or the latest circular for exact dates. Festival dates marked with * are tentative (subject to moon sighting).
Key Highlights – CBSE Holidays & Vacations 2026-27
- Total Gazetted + Festival Holidays: 20–25 days (depending on school)
- Major Long Vacations: Summer (4–7 weeks), Dussehra/Autumn Break (7–12 days), Diwali Break, Winter Break (10–20 days)
- Total Non-Working Days: Approximately 60–75 days (including holidays + vacations)
- Academic Session: April 2026 – March 2027 (most schools)
- Applicability: All CBSE-affiliated schools (Classes Nursery to XII)
1. CBSE School Holiday List 2026
| Sl. No. | Holiday Name | Date | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Republic Day | 26 January 2026 | Monday | National/Gazetted |
| 2 | Holi | 04 March 2026 | Wednesday | Festival |
| 3 | Eid-ul-Fitr* | 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Festival |
| 4 | Ram Navami | 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Festival |
| 5 | Mahavir Jayanti | 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Festival |
| 6 | Good Friday | 03 April 2026 | Friday | Festival/Gazetted |
| 7 | Ambedkar Jayanti | 14 April 2026 | Tuesday | National |
| 8 | Buddha Purnima | 01 May 2026 | Friday | Festival |
| 9 | Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)* | 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Festival |
| 10 | Independence Day | 15 August 2026 | Saturday | National/Gazetted |
| 11 | Janmashtami | 26 August 2026 | Wednesday | Festival |
| 12 | Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami | 20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Festival |
| 13 | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | 02 October 2026 | Friday | National/Gazetted |
| 14 | Diwali / Deepavali | 08 November 2026 | Sunday | Festival |
| 15 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Festival |
| 16 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday | Festival/Gazetted |
*Additional restricted/optional holidays (e.g., Muharram, Milad-un-Nabi, Basant Panchami, Shivratri, etc.) may be observed by some schools depending on region.
2. CBSE School Vacation Schedule 2026-27
| Vacation Period | Typical Start Date | Typical End Date | Duration (Approx.) | Notes / Regional Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Vacation | Mid-May 2026 | Mid-to-Late June 2026 | 4–7 weeks | Longest break; longer in North India hill stations |
| Dussehra / Autumn Break | 15–18 October 2026 | 25–28 October 2026 | 7–12 days | Often combined with Dussehra holidays |
| Diwali Break | 06–08 November 2026 | 10–12 November 2026 | 4–7 days | Sometimes merged with Dussehra break |
| Winter Break | 23–26 December 2026 | 05–10 January 2027 | 10–20 days | Longer in cold regions; shorter in South India |
Pro Tip: In many CBSE schools, the Dussehra + Diwali period creates a continuous 12–18 day festive break in October-November — the longest festival cluster of the year.
3. Month-wise CBSE School Holidays 2026-27
January – April 2026 (Session beginning): Republic Day, Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Ambedkar Jayanti. May – August 2026: Summer Vacation (major break) + Buddha Purnima, Bakrid, Independence Day, Janmashtami. September – December 2026: Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali cluster + Guru Nanak Jayanti + Christmas + Winter Break (heaviest holiday period).
Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS) vs Private CBSE Schools
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) follow a more standardized vacation schedule announced by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (different for summer-station and winter-station schools).
- Private CBSE schools have more flexibility and often align with state holidays (e.g., longer summer break in Delhi/NCR, shorter in South India).
- Always download the latest KVS circular for KV students.
Why This CBSE Holiday List Matters
- Plan family vacations, tuition schedules, and competitive exam coaching during long breaks.
- Book Puja/Diwali travel early — October-November 2026 is peak festive season.
- Maintain 75% minimum attendance (CBSE rule) — plan around compulsory holidays only.
FAQ – CBSE Holiday List 2026
Q1. When is Summer Vacation in CBSE schools 2026? A: Most CBSE schools observe summer vacation from mid-May to mid/late June 2026 (exact dates vary by school and region).
Q2. What is the Diwali vacation date in CBSE 2026? A: Diwali falls on 08 November 2026 (Sunday). Schools usually give 4–7 days break around it, often combined with Dussehra.
Q3. Is the holiday list the same for all CBSE schools? A: No. There is no single official CBSE holiday list. Schools customise it as per local needs.
Q4. Can schools change holiday dates? A: Minor changes are possible with proper intimation. Moon-sighting festivals (Eid, etc.) may be revised.
Q5. Where can I download the official CBSE holiday list 2026 PDF? A: Download from your school website or KVS regional office portal. CBSE does not publish a central list.
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