19,518 Unrecognised Schools in India; Highest in Jharkhand and Bihar: Education Ministry

The education ministry has released new data revealing that India has 19,518 schools operating without official recognition. These are institutions that function without meeting basic norms related to infrastructure, teacher qualifications, safety standards or academic guidelines mandated by the law. Among all states, Jharkhand has the highest number of unrecognised schools, followed by Bihar and Assam. Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, on the other hand, have reported the lowest numbers in this category.

Many families choose such schools due to affordability or lack of good alternatives nearby, without realising that these institutions neither guarantee valid certificates nor meet required safety and quality norms. This creates a situation where children are being taught, but their education remains unofficial and unprotected. Understanding these numbers is important because it reflects both a gap in regulation and a deeper challenge of educational access in underserved regions. If we want a fair education system, it must provide quality learning along with safety, recognition and accountability.

States with Highest Number of Unrecognised Schools

According to the ministry’s data, these states have the largest number of schools running without recognition:

Jharkhand: 5,701 unrecognised schools
Bihar: 4,159 unrecognised schools
Assam: 2,475 unrecognised schools

These schools often operate in areas where government or recognised private schools are scarce. Parents prefer them due to low fees or easy access, even though they lack compliance with required norms.

Where the Numbers Are Lowest

States with the least unrecognised schools are:

Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Chhattisgarh

These states have better monitoring policies and relatively stronger implementation of recognition norms. It also reflects better access to recognised schools in many districts.

Why Do Unrecognised Schools Operate?

Several reasons allow such institutions to keep functioning:

Lack of nearby government schools in remote areas
Expensive private schools in urban pockets pushing parents toward cheaper options
Delayed or difficult approval processes for schools seeking recognition
Weak monitoring and local enforcement

In many cases, these schools fill a need but fail to meet legal standards.

Risks for Students Studying in Unrecognised Schools

Students enrolled in such schools face several challenges:

Certificates may not be valid, affecting admission to higher classes
Poor infrastructure may compromise safety
Untrained teachers can lead to weak learning outcomes
No accountability for academic performance or student protection

Parents may save money in the short term but risk their children’s future in the long run.

What Can Government and Schools Do?

To address this issue fairly, steps should include:

Making recognition procedures simpler and quicker
Providing financial support to schools willing to upgrade facilities
Strict monitoring but without shutting down schools that serve remote areas abruptly
Promoting community awareness about the importance of recognition

A balanced approach can protect children without removing access to education in underserved districts.

December 2025 School Holidays: Full Winter Break Schedule Across Indian States

As December 2025 approaches, schools across India are preparing to close for their much-awaited winter vacations. For students, this period means a break from classes, homework, and exams, while for parents it is time to plan travel, family gatherings, or simply enjoy a slower routine at home. With Christmas and New Year falling within this window, most states have scheduled holidays accordingly, though the exact dates vary depending on climate and local administration.

I am writing about school winter vacations because every year parents and students search for clear, state-wise holiday information, and it is often scattered or confusing. Knowing the tentative vacation dates in advance helps families plan trips, tuition schedules, and festive celebrations without last-minute stress. It also allows working parents to make arrangements for childcare during the school break.

Why Winter Vacations Matter for Schools and Families

Winter vacations are not just about festivals. In many parts of India, especially northern states, schools shut due to cold weather conditions. In southern and coastal states, the holidays are usually shorter and revolve mainly around Christmas and New Year. These breaks give students time to rest, revise, and mentally recharge before the final academic stretch.

For families, this is also one of the few times in the academic year when travel is possible without worrying about attendance or exams.

School Winter Vacations December 2025: State-Wise Overview

Below is a broad, state-wise overview of expected school winter holidays in December 2025. Final dates may vary slightly depending on state government notifications and individual school boards.

Delhi and NCR

Schools in Delhi and NCR are expected to observe winter vacations from the last week of December, mainly due to cold weather. Holidays may begin around Christmas and extend into early January.

Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

Schools in these states usually announce longer winter breaks because of low temperatures. Vacations are expected to start in the final week of December and continue into the first or second week of January.

Maharashtra

Most schools in Maharashtra generally declare shorter winter holidays. Christmas Day and New Year are holidays, with a brief break of a few days around this period.

Karnataka

Schools typically observe holidays for Christmas and New Year, with winter vacations usually limited to one week or less, depending on the board and district.

Kerala

Kerala schools often align their winter break with Christmas celebrations. Vacations generally start around December 24 or 25 and may last for about a week.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In these states, winter vacations are relatively short. Schools usually close for Christmas and New Year, with holidays lasting a few days rather than an extended break.

Key Dates to Watch in December 2025

Some common holidays that fall during the winter vacation period include:

Christmas Day: December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: January 1, 2026

Many schools club these holidays with weekends to create a longer break.

Important Note for Parents and Students

It is important to remember that holiday dates can differ based on school boards such as CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and private institutions. Parents should always check circulars issued by their child’s school or the respective state education department for confirmed dates.

I would also suggest keeping an eye on weather-related announcements, especially in northern states, where extreme cold can lead to extensions in winter vacations.