 "Delhi schools to conduct online classes for students up to Class 5 as air quality worsens")
Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, forcing the government to direct schools to move from a hybrid system to fully online classes for students up to Class V, an official order said.
The latest directive comes a day after authorities announced stringent anti-pollution curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the worsening air quality.
Earlier on Saturday, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DDE) had allowed schools to operate in a hybrid mode, combining physical and online classes for several grades. A circular dated December 13 instructed all heads of government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board to conduct classes for students up to Class IX and Class XI in a hybrid format, wherever online teaching was feasible.
Under that arrangement, schools remained open and attendance in online classes was voluntary, with the choice left to students and their parents or guardians. The hybrid system was to remain in place until further orders.
However, with air quality deteriorating further, the government has now tightened protocols for younger children, asking schools to switch entirely to online classes for students up to Class V.
The situation has also drawn international attention.
The Singapore High Commission urged its citizens to “pay heed” to local instructions about staying indoors and wearing masks if stepping out.
In light of the Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoking Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the Singapore High Commission has issued the following advisory for Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR. - HC Wong pic.twitter.com/vPIv0LjTnd
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 15, 2025
Quick Reads
View All“We also note that given the low visibility, flights to and from the Delhi National Capital Region are likely to be affected,” the advisory said, advicing travellers to check with their airlines. The High Commission also provided a contact point for consular assistance.
Feels like a gas chamber
All major monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI levels above 400, indicating ‘severe’ pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar registered readings of 486 and 482, respectively, while ITO and DTU recorded 451 and 469.
AQI levels above 400 are deemed hazardous, and extended exposure can be harmful, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or chronic health conditions. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has advised these groups to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors.
The smog has disrupted daily life and air travel. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, over 400 flights were delayed, 61 cancelled, and five diverted. The airport reported improving visibility and said operations were gradually returning to normal, but warned passengers to stay updated with their airlines.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and take precautions to minimise exposure.
 "Worry for Trump: Unemployment rises to 4-year high, says US jobs report")
 "From Trump’s ‘alcoholic personality’ to Musk’s ‘avowed’ drug use: Bombshells from Susie Wiles’ interview")
 "What do Virginia Giuffre, Shafali Verma and Zohran Mamdani have in common? They are the underdogs of 2025")
 "Trump can build ballroom in White House, rules US federal judge")
 "Worry for Trump: Unemployment rises to 4-year high, says US jobs report")
 "From Trump’s ‘alcoholic personality’ to Musk’s ‘avowed’ drug use: Bombshells from Susie Wiles’ interview")
 "What do Virginia Giuffre, Shafali Verma and Zohran Mamdani have in common? They are the underdogs of 2025")
 "Trump can build ballroom in White House, rules US federal judge")
