By Delhi Pollution: Schools Shift Classes Up to Grade 5 Online as AQI Remains ‘Severe’
Amid a prolonged spell of hazardous air quality in the national capital, the Delhi government on Monday (December 15, 2025) directed all schools to conduct online classes for students up to Grade 5. The move comes as Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stayed in the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks, especially to children.
The Delhi High Court also advised advocates and litigants appearing in person to use videoconferencing facilities in matters listed before it and district courts, citing the prevailing weather and pollution conditions.
Delhi AQI Remains in ‘Severe’ Zone
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 427 (‘severe’) on Monday, slightly lower than Sunday’s season-high reading of 461 (‘severe plus’). Official forecasts indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday (December 16).
Several NCR cities, including Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida, also reported ‘severe’ pollution levels during the day.
Govt Calls Move Preventive Measure for Children
Education Minister Ashish Sood described the suspension of physical classes for younger students as a “preventive and necessary step” to shield them from the adverse health effects of air pollution.
In a circular, the Directorate of Education (DoE) instructed government, government-aided and private schools to implement the order immediately. School principals said parents were informed through WhatsApp groups by Monday evening.
Hybrid Classes Continue for Senior Students
As per a December 13 DoE order, students in Grades 6 to 9 and 11 will continue in hybrid mode, allowing a choice between online and in-person classes. Grades 10 and 12 have been exempted from the online shift due to the upcoming board examinations, an official said.
‘Very Poor’ Air Likely to Persist
The Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi warned that the city’s AQI is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ range over the coming week.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the pollution spike largely to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, shifting wind directions and increased moisture levels, rather than a sudden rise in emissions.
How AQI Is Classified
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater health risk:
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–450: Severe
- 451–500: Severe Plus
Every winter, Delhi-NCR experiences a sharp rise in air pollution due to stagnant weather conditions, compounded by vehicular emissions, dust, stubble burning and firecrackers.
