Delhi schools have officially reopened for in-person classes for students in grades 6 through 9 and Class 11, following the lifting of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Level 4 restrictions. The decision, announced by the Delhi government, marks a significant step towards normalcy in the education sector, which has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GRAP was initially implemented in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, with various levels of restrictions designed to control the spread of the virus. Level 4 restrictions, which were in place for several months, included the closure of schools and other educational institutions. As the situation improved, the Delhi government assessed the public health data and decided to ease these restrictions, allowing schools to resume offline classes for certain grades.
As part of the reopening plan, students in nursery to Class 5 will continue to attend classes in a hybrid mode, which combines both online and offline learning. This approach aims to provide flexibility for younger students and their families, many of whom may still have concerns about returning to physical classrooms full-time. The hybrid model allows for a gradual transition back to traditional learning environments, while also accommodating those who prefer to continue with remote education.
The reopening of schools is a critical development for the education sector in Delhi, which has faced significant disruptions since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. According to data from the Delhi Directorate of Education, the prolonged closure of schools has had a detrimental impact on students’ learning outcomes, particularly among younger children who rely heavily on in-person instruction for foundational skills.
The decision to reopen schools comes amid a broader context of declining COVID-19 cases in the national capital. As of late December 2025, the daily infection rate has dropped significantly, with health officials reporting fewer than 100 new cases per day. Vaccination rates have also increased, with a substantial percentage of the eligible population having received at least one dose of the vaccine. This positive trend has contributed to the government’s confidence in resuming in-person education.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate educational landscape. Experts have long warned about the potential long-term effects of extended school closures on children’s mental health and social development. The return to physical classrooms is expected to provide students with not only academic support but also essential social interactions that have been largely absent during the pandemic.
Parents and educators have expressed mixed feelings about the reopening. While many welcome the return to in-person learning, citing the importance of face-to-face interaction for effective education, others remain cautious. Concerns about the potential for new COVID-19 variants and the adequacy of safety measures in schools persist. The Delhi government has assured parents that strict health protocols will be enforced, including mask-wearing, regular sanitization of classrooms, and social distancing measures.
The reopening of schools in Delhi is part of a larger trend observed across India, where various states have begun to lift restrictions and resume in-person classes as the pandemic situation stabilizes. However, the approach varies by region, with some states opting for a phased reopening based on local health data and vaccination rates.
Looking ahead, the Delhi government plans to monitor the situation closely as schools reopen. Education officials have indicated that they will assess the impact of the reopening on both student health and academic performance. The success of this initiative will likely influence future decisions regarding the full resumption of classes for all grades and the potential for further easing of restrictions.
In conclusion, the reopening of Delhi schools for grades 6 to 9 and Class 11 represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As students return to classrooms, the focus will be on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment that addresses the diverse needs of the student population. The hybrid model for younger students underscores the government’s commitment to balancing educational needs with public health considerations, as the city navigates the complexities of post-pandemic recovery.
