October 2026 is set to bring several holidays and festive breaks for school students across India. With Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Karva Chauth and other regional celebrations falling during the month, students can expect multiple days away from regular classes.
However, school holiday schedules are not the same across the country. The number of holidays and the duration of festive breaks depend on the state, education board and individual school’s academic calendar. Students and parents should therefore check their school’s official notice or calendar before making travel plans.
Important School Holidays in October 2026
Several important festivals and observances are scheduled throughout October. The key dates mentioned in the holiday calendar are:
- October 2, Friday: Gandhi Jayanti
- October 18, Sunday: Dussehra/Saptami
- October 19, Monday: Dussehra/Maha Ashtami
- October 20, Tuesday: Dussehra/Vijayadashami
- October 26, Monday: Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
- October 29, Thursday: Karva Chauth/Karka Chaturthi
Since some of these dates fall on weekends or may be treated differently by individual schools, students should confirm the applicable holidays with their respective institutions.
Delhi School Holiday Schedule
Schools in Delhi will observe Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 as a national holiday, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20. October 26 and October 29 are also listed as restricted holidays.
Some government and private schools may additionally provide an autumn or festive break around Dussehra. The exact number of days off can differ from one school to another, so parents and students should refer to the school’s official holiday calendar for confirmation.
Uttar Pradesh School Holidays
Uttar Pradesh will observe Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Vijayadashami on October 20. Schools may also have breaks around Durga Puja and Dussehra.
The duration of these festive holidays can vary between districts and educational boards. In some cases, the break may extend from three to five days, depending on the academic calendar followed by the school.
Students should check with their respective schools for the confirmed dates before planning trips or other activities.
Telangana and West Bengal Holiday Plans
Telangana will see several major festive holidays in October. Saddula Bathukamma is scheduled for October 18, followed by Maha Navami on October 19 and Vijayadashami on October 20. October 21, the day after Vijayadashami, is also listed as a holiday. October 26 marks the birthday of Hazrat Syed Mohammad and is also observed as a holiday.
West Bengal, meanwhile, will have an extended festive period around Durga Puja. The holiday schedule includes Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, followed by major celebrations associated with Dussehra and Maha Ashtami on October 19 and 20. Schools may remain closed for additional days during the Durga Puja period, depending on their individual calendars.
As school holiday schedules can vary even within the same state, parents and students are advised to check the official school website, notice board or academic calendar for the final dates.