School Holidays October 2026: October is always one of the most anticipated months for school students and parents across India. With major festivals lined up right after the quarterly exam season, month brings a series of breaks, long weekends, and extended autumn vacations.
However, holiday schedules vary significantly across states. While some states offer localized single-day leaves on festival dates, others like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal have declared extended Durga Puja and Dussehra vacations lasting over a week.
Here is a clear, state-wise details of the October 2026 school holiday calendar to help you plan ahead.
Key National & Festival Holidays in October 2026
Before diving into state-specific schedules, here are the primary gazetted and regional holiday dates observed across the country:
| Date | Day | Occasion | Observance Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2026 | Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | National Holiday |
| October 18, 2026 | Sunday | Maha Saptami / Regional Events | Weekend / Regional |
| October 19, 2026 | Monday | Maha Ashtami / Ayudha Puja | Major Regional Holiday |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Vijayadashami / Dussehra | Gazetted Holiday |
| October 21, 2026 | Wednesday | Additional Dussehra / Vidyarambham | Selected States |
| October 26, 2026 | Monday | Lakshmi Puja | West Bengal & Eastern States |
Note on Diwali 2026: Diwali falls on November 8, 2026. Consequently, primary Diwali breaks and associated vacations will take place in November rather than October this year.
State-Wise School Vacation Schedule for October 2026
1. Telangana (13-Day Dussehra Vacation)
Students in Telangana enjoy one of the longest festive breaks in October. According to the state academic calendar, schools will observe a continuous Dussehra break from October 10 to October 22, 2026. This period covers key regional celebrations including Saddula Bathukamma (October 18), Maha Navami (October 19), and Vijayadashami (October 20).
2. Andhra Pradesh (12-Day Break)
In line with neighbor Telangana, Andhra Pradesh schools have scheduled their official Dussehra vacation from October 10 to October 21, 2026. This covers the full sequence of Durga Navratri, Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadashami festivities.
3. West Bengal (Durga Puja Vacation)
Durga Puja is the biggest cultural festival in West Bengal, resulting in an extended holiday window. As per the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education calendar, schools will observe an autumn vacation from October 15 to October 26, 2026. This period spans from Maha Chaturthi through Maha Ashtami (October 19), Dashami (October 21), and extends up to Lakshmi Puja on October 26.
4. Tamil Nadu (Post-Exam & Festival Holidays)
Tamil Nadu students receive a split holiday schedule:
- Quarterly Exam Break: September 26 to October 4, 2026 (Schools reopen October 5).
- Festive Holidays: October 19 (Ayudha Puja) and October 20 (Vijayadashami).
5. Maharashtra (Long Weekend Potential)
Maharashtra observes two primary state holidays in October:
- October 2 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti (creating a 3-day long weekend for schools operating on a 5-day week).
- October 20 (Tuesday): Dussehra / Vijayadashami.
6. Karnataka & Mysuru Dasara
In Karnataka, the state government has aligned school breaks with the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations taking place from October 11 to October 21, 2026. Key holidays include Maha Saptami (October 18), Maha Ashtami (October 19), and the famous Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami (October 21).
7. Kerala (Pooja Holidays & Vidyarambham)
Kerala schools will observe holidays starting with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, followed by the traditional Pooja holidays from October 19 to October 21, 2026 for Ayudha Puja, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami/Vidyarambham.
8. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha & Delhi-NCR
- Uttar Pradesh: Mandatory closures on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) and October 20–21 (Maha Navami and Vijayadashami).
- Odisha: State holidays marked on October 2, October 17 (Maha Saptami), October 19 (Maha Navami), and October 20 (Vijaya Dashami).
- Delhi-NCR: Central list includes October 2, October 19, and October 20. Private CBSE/ICSE institutions in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram may club these with additional discretionary leaves.
Important Advice for Parents & Students
- Verify Local School Circulars: While state governments release overarching academic calendars, individual government schools, private institutions, and autonomous board schools (CBSE, ICSE, IB) may adjust exact reopening dates.
- Check Exam Timetables: Mid-term and quarterly examination schedules can alter holiday dates in specific districts.
- Confirm Long Weekend Dates: Always rely on official notices issued directly by your school administration before booking travel arrangements.
