The Karnataka government has announced temporary changes to the timings of Urdu language schools for the 2025–26 academic year in view of the holy month of Ramadan 2026. According to an order issued on Monday, February 2, Urdu medium schools will start from 8:00 am instead of 10:00 am and close at 12:45 pm. The directive applies to all Urdu medium schools, including government, aided and unaided schools.
A circular from the Directorate of Urdu and Other Minority Language Schools states that the revised timings will come into effect from the start of Ramadan, expected on February 17 or 18, and will remain in place until March 20, 2026. Students will be given a 15-minute break from 10:00 am to 10:15 am during this period.
"Details of the change in the school term schedule of all government, aided and unaided Urdu medium junior, senior and high schools in the state for the academic year 2025-26 from the date of commencement of the month of Ramadan till 20-03-2026 only."
Education Department officials have clarified that this is a routine administrative adjustment followed for several years. The change aims to accommodate students and teachers who observe fasting during Ramzan 2026. The department has also instructed schools to compensate for any reduced teaching hours through holidays or additional academic sessions.
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The decision has triggered political debate in the state. The opposition BJP has criticised the move, alleging appeasement politics, and questioned whether similar relaxations will be provided during festivals like Navratri.
"Now, we are seeing that schools in Karnataka will have different timings during Ramzan. But have you (Karnataka govt) made any such concessions during any Hindu festival? You are saying that teachers and staff can leave early during Ramzan, but will you allow the same during Navratri? Congress always puts its vote bank first. They don't have the vision of doing things fairly and equally as per the Constitution. This has been seen in Karnataka again and again," said BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.
The ruling Congress has dismissed these allegations, calling the decision part of inclusive governance and a long-standing practice. "These people have been neglected for thousands of years. Don't you want them to become equal?... If this is not tolerated, then it means they are against people being treated equally," said Karnataka Minister G Parmeshwara.