Delhi-NCR Schools Shift to Online and Hybrid Modes Amid Hazardous Air Quality and Dense Fog Under GRAP Stage IV

New Delhi, January 20, 2026 — Persistent hazardous air quality combined with dense fog has forced educational authorities in Delhi-NCR to implement emergency measures, shifting many schools to online or hybrid learning models. This comes as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV restrictions, invoked earlier in the month when the Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘severe+’ category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed GRAP Stage IV restrictions in mid-January following a sharp deterioration in air quality, with AQI levels frequently exceeding 450 in several areas, compounded by thick smog and fog that reduced visibility and exacerbated health risks, particularly for children.

GRAP Stage IV Restrictions and School Guidelines
Under GRAP Stage IV — activated when AQI surpasses 450 and enters the ‘severe+’ category — state governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) are empowered to suspend physical classes to minimize exposure to toxic air. Key directives include:

• Mandatory hybrid learning (simultaneous physical and online modes) for students up to Class 5 in many areas, with a strong preference for online attendance.
• Extension of hybrid or fully online modes for Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida/Greater Noida).
• Exemptions typically apply to Classes 10 and 12 to avoid disruptions to board exam preparations, though some institutions allow hybrid options.

Schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram issued notices to parents, directing a transition to these modes from mid-January onward. Many institutions operated with reduced timings (e.g., 10 am to 3 pm in some NCR districts) or fully online sessions to limit outdoor exposure.

Health Advisory for Students and Residents
Authorities, including the Directorate of Education (DoE) in Delhi, have urged caution, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Recommendations include:

• Avoiding outdoor activities.
• Using masks (N95 preferred) when outside.
• Staying indoors during peak smog and fog hours.
• Monitoring real-time AQI via official apps or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Parents have reported challenges with frequent mode switches, citing disruptions to learning routines, but health experts emphasize that prolonged exposure to hazardous air can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and long-term health impacts in young students.

Current Status and Outlook
As of January 20, 2026, air quality showed marginal improvement in some areas, moving from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ (AQI around 350–400 in parts of Delhi-NCR), leading to the revocation of Stage IV restrictions by the CAQM in the afternoon. Measures under Stages I–III continue to remain in effect to prevent further deterioration. However, dense fog and unfavorable meteorological conditions persist, with forecasts indicating potential fluctuations in the coming days.

The episode highlights the recurring winter challenge in Delhi-NCR, where cold temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, often worsened by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activity. Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels for any further changes to school operations.