Delhi-NCR schools likely shut on Jan 19: Schools across Delhi-NCR are likely to remain closed on Monday, January 19. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday enforced GRAP Stage IV restrictions across the national-capital region as pollution levels surged into the ‘severe plus’ category.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at around 400 on Saturday afternoon, bordering the ‘severe’ category, before worsening further to 428 by night. Neighbouring cities including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram also recorded ‘very poor’ air quality levels.
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Schools in Delhi-NCR had remained closed earlier this week due to extreme cold conditions and were scheduled to reopen in the week of January 16. However, the sudden spike in pollution and the imposition of GRAP Stage IV will likely prompt authorities in the region to reassess the continuation of physical classes, especially for younger students.
However, as of now, there is no official confirmation on school closures for Monday, January 19. Parents and students can stay updated with information as and when shared by their respective school authorities, district administration or state-governments.
What is GRAP?
GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, is a structured set of emergency measures enforced in Delhi-NCR to control rising air pollution. It lays down stage-wise restrictions based on AQI levels, with stricter curbs coming into effect as pollution worsens.
Stage 1 comes into force when air quality falls in the ‘Poor’ category, with AQI levels between 201 and 300. Next, GRAP Stage 2 is implemented when AQI deteriorates to the ‘Very Poor’ range of 301 to 400.
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When air quality turns ‘Severe’, with AQI readings between 401 and 450, GRAP Stage 3 is put in place. Stage 4, the highest level, is enforced when AQI crosses 450, placing air quality in the ‘Severe Plus’ category.
Are schools closed under GRAP-4?
Yes, under GRAP Stage 4, physical classes in schools are generally suspended. Educational institutions are directed to shift to online or hybrid learning modes to reduce students’ exposure to hazardous air conditions.
As of January 18, 2026, GRAP-IV restrictions have been reimposed across Delhi and NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, following a sharp deterioration in air quality.
Under GRAP Stage IV, state governments have the authority to suspend in-person classes and shift schools to online or hybrid modes if air quality is deemed hazardous.
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Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, educational institutions in parts of Pune will remain closed on Monday in view of the ‘Pune Grand Tour 2026’, an international cycling event scheduled to begin in the city. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions have been asked to suspend physical classes as extensive traffic restrictions will be in place throughout the day.
Also Read| Schools, colleges to remain closed on Jan 19 for Pune Grand Tour 2026 cycle race
Authorities said the decision was taken as the prologue race of the cycling event will be held in Pune on Monday, requiring the closure of several major roads from 9 am to 6 pm. The Pune traffic department has issued advisories regarding traffic diversions and road closures in key areas, including Ganesh Khind Road, Jangli Maharaj Road and Fergusson Road.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a five-day Continental Road Cycling Race for Men, scheduled from January 19 to January 23. The race will cover a total distance of 437 kilometres, passing through the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri Range, and is expected to feature challenging terrain with sharp turns and elevation changes. The event has drawn 171 riders representing 29 teams from 35 countries, officials said.
