Summer vacation cut to just 6 days in Bengal schools

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has dropped a bombshell for students and parents. From the next academic year 2026, government and government-aided schools in the state will have only six days of summer vacation. The board released the official holiday calendar on which shows summer vacation from 11 May to 16 May 2026. This is a huge cut from the usual month-long break everyone looks forward to. A senior WBBSE official explained that schools are allowed only 65 holidays in a year as per rules.

The state government has added several new holidays in recent years, such as Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda, Bir Chilarai Diwas, Easter Saturday, Hul Diwas, and Karam Puja. On top of that, almost every summer the government declares extra holidays because of extreme heat waves and heatstroke risks. To fit everything within the 65-days limit, the board had no choice but to shorten the summer vacation. Meanwhile, Durga Puja holidays remain generous—28 full days have been kept for Sharadotsav.

Students and parents are reportedly upset because May is usually the hottest month in Bengal, with temperatures often crossing 40°C and heat waves hitting many districts. Going to school in such burning heat can make children fall sick. Many are now hoping the government will announce extra summer holidays later, just like it does every year when the heat becomes too harsh.