Delhi Schools Ordered to Shift to Hybrid Mode Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi schools have been directed to adopt hybrid learning for most classes amid severe air pollution, allowing a mix of online and in‑person education to protect students’ health as the city battles hazardous AQI levels.

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Dec 16, 2025 - 12:53

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Delhi Schools Ordered to Shift to Hybrid Mode Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis

NEW DELHI — Amid dangerously high air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), authorities have directed schools across Delhi to switch to a hybrid learning mode combining online and in‑person classes in an effort to reduce students’ exposure to hazardous air quality. Under strict measures implemented as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP‑IV) after the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged into the severe category, the Directorate of Education has instructed all government, government‑aided, and recognized private schools to adopt hybrid teaching for students from Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11, allowing parents and guardians to choose online attendance where feasible.

The hybrid mode directive follows rapid deterioration in air quality data, with multiple monitoring stations recording AQI values well above safe thresholds, prompting public health concerns for children—particularly younger students and those with respiratory vulnerabilities. Schools have been told to immediately inform parents of the change and to maintain academic continuity through a blend of physical and virtual instruction until air quality improves.

In related developments, the Delhi government has moved younger grades up to Class V fully online as AQI levels remain hazardous, while hybrid arrangements remain in place for older students, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance education needs with health protections.

The shift to hybrid learning is part of broader emergency responses to severe pollution in the capital, including advisories for remote participation in court hearings and considerations of other temporary public health measures as Delhi continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality.