Delhi Govt Suspends Physical Classes Up to Class 5 As Air Quality Remains In 'Severe' Category

New Delhi: The Delhi government announced on Monday that all schools in the national capital must stop the hybrid arrangement for children up to class 5, and teach them entirely online. The Directorate of Education issued an official circular on Monday mandating online classes from nursery to Class 5, citing the air quality, which remains in the ‘severe’ category. 

According to the circular, physical classes for these grades would be discontinued until further notice, while classes from 6-9 and class 11 will continue under the hybrid model that was already in place. These students will have the option to attend school in person when it is feasible, and will also have the option to join classes online. The decision reflected a previous order that kept the hybrid system for the students from classes 6-9 and class 11. 

Moreover, heads of schools were asked to make sure the changeover ran smoothly and to let parents know the latest circular, so there was no confusion. With the youngest children now learning from home, older pupils will continue to split their time between classroom and remote work, following the hybrid timetable that was already in place. 

The education department has promised to give schools guidance on how to make the online lessons as engaging as possible, and to keep parents informed about the new arrangements. Teachers are being encouraged to upload lesson material, hold live classes and provide regular feedback to pupils. The administration has also asked district education officers to visit schools to check that the new system is being implemented smoothly. 

The health experts have urged anyone with respiratory problems, the elderly and the very young to stay indoors as the smog persists. The government said that the move is intended to protect the health of the most vulnerable children while still trying to keep education going.

The pollution levels in Delhi have remained in the ‘severe’ band for several days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering above 450 in many parts of the city. 

AQI Remains In The Severe Zone

The air quality across Delhi stayed dangerously high on Monday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall AQI of 452 around 8 am, already in the ‘severe’ band, while the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported 457 at 4 pm, also classed as severe. The day before, the index had hit 461 in the afternoon. A thick, toxic smog settled over large parts of the city, cutting visibility and making it uncomfortable for residents to be outside.

Earlier, the CAQM invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the AQI climbed into the ‘Severe +’ range, with readings around 450‑500 in several monitoring stations. The plan included a ban on most construction activity, restrictions on diesel trucks and advice for people with respiratory problems to stay indoors. The same measures also call for a reduction in outdoor activities for children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.