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Hyderabad schools online classes Dasara holidays
Schools in Hyderabad Conduct Online Classes Despite Dasara Holidays
Hyderabad’s education sector is once again at the center of a heated debate as several schools in the city have opted to conduct online classes during the Dasara holidays, despite government orders mandating a vacation period for students. Reports indicate that children as young as five years old are attending these sessions. This decision has drawn criticism from parents’ groups and calls for stricter enforcement of the state’s academic calendar.
Background of the Controversy
The Telangana government issued a clear academic calendar for the 2025–26 school year, which specified that all educational institutions — including private schools — must remain closed from September 21 to October 3 for the annual Dasara break. The schools are scheduled to reopen on October 4. This period traditionally allows students and teachers to celebrate Dasara with their families and take a much-needed rest before the next academic phase.
However, several private schools across Hyderabad and nearby districts are reportedly bypassing the vacation period by holding mandatory online sessions. Some institutions have even extended this to offline classes for high school students, citing concerns over the loss of academic time.
What Schools Are Saying
Schools justify their move by emphasizing the need to stay on track with the curriculum. In a widely circulated message, one school informed parents:
“Dear parent, as per the government order for Dasara holidays, we would like to inform you that our school will be operating in online mode from September 23 to September 26 for grades from upper kindergarten to class 12. This decision will help us avoid loss of academic time to ensure that the school calendar proceeds uninterrupted.”
This message highlights the primary reason behind the schools’ decision: the desire to prevent gaps in the academic schedule. With national-level exams, board assessments, and competitive tests looming, schools are under pressure to maintain teaching hours.
Age Groups Affected
One of the most contentious aspects of this practice is that it includes very young students. Reports indicate that children from upper kindergarten onwards — some as young as five years old — are being asked to log into online platforms during the vacation period.
Educational experts argue that at such young ages, children require rest, play, and family time more than academic sessions. Parents have echoed these sentiments, claiming that online classes during holidays defeat the purpose of the vacation altogether.
Offline Classes Also Reported
While online classes have garnered the most attention, some schools in Hyderabad are reportedly conducting offline sessions as well, particularly for students in high school and board exam years. These classes are typically held in the mornings or early afternoons, but attendance is often mandatory.
Such a move has raised additional concerns regarding compliance with the state government’s directives and the well-being of students who may feel pressured to attend.
Reaction from Parents’ Associations
The Hyderabad Schools Parents’ Association (HSPA) has been vocal in its opposition to schools violating the government’s holiday orders. In statements made to local media outlets, HSPA members have called on education department officials to take immediate action and ensure that all schools adhere strictly to the academic calendar.
According to HSPA, the decision to run online or offline classes during official holidays undermines the very purpose of issuing a state-wide academic schedule. They argue that families plan their festivals and travel based on the government-mandated breaks, and such sudden changes create unnecessary stress.
Government Guidelines on Dasara Holidays
The academic calendar 2025–26 for Telangana clearly states:
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All schools across Hyderabad and other districts must remain closed from September 21 to October 3 for Dasara.
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Schools are expected to reopen on October 4.
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No official provision allows for online or offline classes during this period.
Despite this, some schools are allegedly pushing ahead with classes, claiming that online sessions do not technically violate the holiday order. However, parents’ groups and legal experts disagree, noting that any form of instruction during mandated breaks breaches the order’s spirit.
Legal and Administrative Responsibility
The controversy has also raised questions about who is responsible for enforcement. While the state education department issues the academic calendar, the onus of monitoring compliance lies with local officials, district education officers, and school management boards.
Parents argue that without strict penalties or inspections, schools will continue to bypass orders. HSPA has demanded that the education department deploy inspection teams during holidays to ensure no school is conducting unauthorized classes.
Impact on Students
Educational psychologists warn that denying students their holiday breaks can have negative effects on mental health, motivation, and academic performance. Continuous study without rest periods may lead to burnout, especially among younger students.
Moreover, online classes during holidays can strain family dynamics, as parents often plan trips or family gatherings around these periods. For working parents, managing children’s online sessions during what should be a break adds yet another layer of stress.
The Digital Divide Factor
Another issue emerging from this practice is the digital divide. While many urban families in Hyderabad have access to high-speed internet and multiple devices, not all parents can provide the same. Forcing online classes during a vacation exacerbates the gap between students who have reliable digital access and those who do not.
The School Perspective: Pressure from Curricular Demands
School administrators have argued that with board exams, mid-term tests, and syllabus completion timelines, it becomes increasingly difficult to cover the curriculum within the allotted working days. Public holidays, strikes, and unforeseen closures due to weather conditions further compress the teaching schedule, compelling schools to look for ways to compensate.
However, experts suggest that better planning and more efficient use of working days can avoid the need to encroach upon vacation time.
Parents’ Right to Say No
Legal experts indicate that parents are within their rights to refuse participation in online or offline classes conducted during officially declared holidays. Since the government order mandates a break, any form of coercion to attend could be challenged through complaints to the district education officer (DEO) or even in court.
HSPA has encouraged parents to document school circulars and messages and present them to the authorities if they feel pressured to comply.
Possible Government Action
In previous instances, the Telangana government has issued warnings to schools violating holiday norms, but enforcement remains weak. This time, the education department may face mounting pressure to act, especially if more complaints emerge from parents and associations.
Officials have hinted at potential penalties, including fines or withdrawal of recognition for repeat offenders. However, no formal announcements have been made as of now.
A Larger Debate About Education in Telangana
The current controversy also reflects a larger tension between academic rigor and student well-being in Telangana’s education system. While the push for high scores and competitive success drives schools to maximize teaching time, parents and experts argue that the mental health and holistic development of children must take priority.
The rise of online learning, accelerated by the pandemic, has blurred the lines between school days and vacation periods. With technology enabling 24/7 instruction, schools must reassess boundaries to protect student downtime.
Looking Ahead
As Dasara festivities continue, the situation in Hyderabad highlights the need for clearer communication and stricter enforcement of vacation rules. Both parents and schools are stakeholders in students’ education, but balancing academic goals with rest periods remains a pressing challenge.
Whether the Telangana government steps in to curb these practices or allows them to continue will set an important precedent for future holiday periods in the state.
Key Takeaways
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Government Order Ignored: Several Hyderabad schools are conducting online/offline classes during Dasara holidays despite a mandated break.
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Parents Upset: Groups like HSPA demand stricter enforcement of government orders.
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Young Children Affected: Students as young as five are attending online sessions.
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Wider Implications: Raises concerns about mental health, digital divide, and parents’ rights.
Conclusion
The ongoing issue of schools conducting online classes during the Dasara holidays in Hyderabad reflects a deep conflict between academic priorities and the need for rest and family time. While schools cite syllabus completion as their reason, parents and associations argue that the holiday break is a student’s right and must be respected.
As Telangana’s education department faces increasing scrutiny, how it resolves this dispute could redefine the boundaries between institutional authority and parental choice in the state’s educational landscape.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information gathered from news reports, school circulars, and parent statements. The intention is to present facts in a neutral manner and not to criticize or endorse any institution, individual, or policy. Readers are encouraged to verify details with official sources.
