GRAP Stage IV Enforced: Are Delhi-NCR Schools Closed on Monday (Jan 19)? Here’s What We Know

NEW DELHI, January 19 — The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced GRAP Stage IV restrictions across Delhi-NCR as pollution entered the ‘severe plus’ category. This has triggered a shift to online classes in many schools, though official orders vary significantly across different districts.

What is the current status for Delhi schools?

As of now, there is no blanket closure order from the Delhi government for all schools. However, with the CAQM enforcing GRAP Stage IV, many individual private and public schools have independently issued notices to parents. These notices state a shift to complete online learning for all grades from preschool to Class 12 on Monday, January 19. Specific timetables are being shared directly by the schools.

What does the Noida and Greater Noida order say?

In contrast, schools in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district, which includes Noida and Greater Noida, will remain open for physical classes. The District Magistrate's order, citing dense fog and extreme cold, revises operating hours for all government and private schools. The uniform timing will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, applicable to all educational boards including CBSE, ICSE, IB, and the UP Board.

Why was GRAP Stage IV activated?

The CAQM activated the Graded Response Action Plan's highest stage due to a sharp spike in pollution. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated from around 400 on Saturday afternoon to 428 by night, entering the 'severe' range. The region-wide emergency response was prompted by reports of "extremely poor" to "severe" air quality in nearby cities, including as Ghaziabad and Gurugram.

What are the rules under GRAP Stage IV?

GRAP Stage IV is mandated when the AQI exceeds 450, placing it in the ‘Severe Plus’ category. Under this stage:

• State governments in the NCR have the authority to suspend in-person classes.
• Schools are directed to shift to online or hybrid learning modes.
• The goal is to minimize children's exposure to hazardous outdoor air.

Are schools in India closed on Monday?

Separately, in Maharashtra, educational institutions in parts of Pune will be closed on Monday due to the 'Pune Grand Tour 2026' international cycling event. Authorities ordered the closure because of major road closures and traffic diversions required for the prologue race, scheduled from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on key city roads.