Delhi Schools Switch to Hybrid Classes for Classes 1–9 and 11 as Air Quality Slips to Severe Under GRAP-IV
New Delhi — Schools across the national capital have shifted to hybrid learning for students of Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11 with immediate effect, following a sharp deterioration in air quality and the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued instructions to all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools, including those run by NDMC, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board, directing them to offer both physical and online classes wherever feasible.
Hybrid Mode for Most Classes
Under the directive, schools are required to conduct classes through a combination of in-person and virtual teaching for students up to Class IX and Class XI. However, Classes X and XII have been exempted from the hybrid arrangement and will continue with regular physical classes.
The DoE clarified that opting for online attendance will be voluntary, and the choice will lie with students and their parents or guardians. Schools have been asked to immediately communicate the revised arrangements to parents.
Strict Monitoring Ordered
To ensure adherence to the guidelines, district and zonal education officers have been instructed to conduct inspections of schools within their respective jurisdictions, officials said.
Pollution Reaches Alarming Levels
The move comes after Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the year, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 431, later breaching the 450 mark, placing the city in the ‘severe-plus’ pollution category, according to official data.
Authorities said the stricter measures under GRAP-IV will remain in force until air quality shows sustained improvement.
