School Holiday on February 18, 2026: Schools Closed in these States; Check Full Details

February 18, 2026, is not a nationwide public holiday. However, schools in several states across India are either fully closed or partially affected due to regional festivals, winter vacations, and ongoing board examinations.

Parents and students are advised to check state-specific notifications, as school closures vary depending on local conditions and academic schedules.

Losar Holiday in Sikkim and Himalayan Regions

February 18 coincides with Losar, the Tibetan New Year — a major cultural and religious festival celebrated by Tibetan and Buddhist communities.

In Sikkim and select Himalayan regions, Losar is observed as a public holiday. On this occasion:

• Schools and colleges remain closed in notified areas
• Government offices observe a holiday
• Institutions follow state government notifications

It is important to note that this holiday is region-specific and does not apply nationwide.

Winter Vacation in Jammu & Kashmir

Schools in the Kashmir Valley and winter-zone districts of the Jammu Division remain closed under the officially declared Winter Vacation 2025–26 schedule. The extended break is due to harsh winter conditions, snowfall, and extremely low temperatures.

Winter Break Schedule:

• Pre-Primary (Balvatika): November 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Classes 1 to 8: December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Classes 9 to 12: December 11, 2025 – February 22, 2026

These dates apply to both government and recognised private schools in the region.

CBSE Board Exams on February 18

Although February 18 is a regular working day across most of India, schools affiliated with CBSE may suspend regular classes if they are designated examination centres.

Scheduled exams on February 18, 2026:

• Class 12 Physical Education
• Class 10 Home Science

Schools hosting these examinations typically close for non-exam students to facilitate arrangements such as seating plans, invigilation and security.

Board candidates must report as per their admit cards and official CBSE guidelines.

State Board Exams Impacting School Operations

Several state boards are also conducting Class 10 and Class 12 exams on this date, leading to temporary closures for regular classes in schools functioning as exam centres.

States conducting board exams on February 18 include:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Maharashtra
• Jharkhand
• Madhya Pradesh
• Rajasthan

Students appearing for exams must attend as scheduled, while other classes may remain suspended in exam centres.

No National Holiday on February 18

There is no central government holiday or gazetted national holiday on February 18, 2026. In most parts of India, it remains a regular academic and working day.

Parents and students are encouraged to check school notices and district-level announcements for precise updates.