Thiruvananthapuram: The General Education Department has revised the Christmas vacation schedule for schools across Kerala in view of the upcoming local body elections announced for December 9 and 11. As per the new order, schools will close for Christmas vacation on December 24 and reopen on January 5, 2026.

According to the 2025-26 academic calendar, half-yearly examinations were originally planned from December 11 to 18, with schools set to close for Christmas holidays on December 19 and reopen on December 29.

With polling now falling on two of the scheduled exam days, the department has shifted the examination timetable and adjusted the vacation period.

The circular has been issued to Deputy Directors of Education, Regional Directors, DIET principals, district and sub-district education officers, and all school heads. Copies have also been forwarded to Samagra Shiksha Kerala, SCERT, SIEMAT, SIET and KITE.