The Bihar Education Department has reinstated the long-standing practice of half-day classes in government schools on Saturdays. Under the revised timetable, schools will now function for a full day from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays will have shorter working hours. The new schedule will take effect from August 8 and will apply to all government schools across the state according to media reports.The decision brings back a system that had remained in place for several years before being discontinued. Education officials say the move is aimed at restoring the earlier academic routine followed in Bihar’s government schools.
New school timings announced
According to an official order issued by the Directorate of Secondary Education, government schools will operate from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday.On Saturdays, however, schools will remain open only from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, after which students will begin their weekend break.The revised schedule will be implemented in every government school in Bihar from Saturday, August 8.
Different dispersal timings for students
The Education Department has also specified separate dispersal timings for different classes on Saturdays.Students from Classes 1 to 8 will be dismissed after lunch at 12:40 pm. Meanwhile, students of Classes 9 to 12 will remain in school until 1:00 pm, after which they will be allowed to leave.The department has clarified that the half-day schedule will be followed every Saturday in all government schools across the state.
Education Minister confirms the decision
Speaking to reporters at Patna’s Madan Mohan Auditorium on Thursday, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had announced the restoration of the half-day Saturday schedule for government schools.The minister added that the Education Department had accepted the decision and completed all necessary preparations for its implementation.
Return to the earlier system
The latest directive marks a return to Bihar’s earlier academic calendar, under which government schools functioned for half a day on Saturdays before the practice was withdrawn.With the new order, the state has officially restored the previous arrangement, bringing back the weekly schedule that had been followed for years in government schools.
