NOIDA: As the air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate to hazardous levels, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has announced a major change in school operations. Invoking the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, the administration has ordered that all classes up to grade 5 will be conducted entirely online until further notice, while higher classes will follow a hybrid (online + offline) system.
The order, issued by the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) on Saturday, comes as part of emergency measures under GRAP-IV, which are triggered when pollution levels reach the “severe-plus” category. The directive applies to all educational institutions across boards CBSE, ICSE, UP Board, Sanskrit Board, and other recognised schools and coaching centres operating within the district.
Online-only mode for pre-primary to grade 5
Under the new directive, classes from pre-nursery to grade 5 will move entirely to virtual classrooms. Schools have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted digital learning and to share online schedules and access links with parents. The administration has emphasised that the move is aimed at safeguarding the health of young children, who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory distress caused by rising pollution.
A senior district official said,
“The air quality index (AQI) has been consistently above the 450 mark in Noida, placing it in the severe category. Given the potential health risks, it is imperative to reduce children’s outdoor exposure.”
Hybrid classes for grades 6 to 9 and 11
The administration has also approved hybrid learning arrangements for students in grades 6 to 9 and grade 11. Schools may conduct physical classes for limited groups, provided they adhere to all safety and pollution-control advisories. Students unable to attend in-person sessions must be allowed to join online.
Principals have been given the flexibility to design class schedules that minimise travel and outdoor exposure for students, especially during peak pollution hours. The directive, however, excludes grades 10 and 12, where board examinations and pre-boards are scheduled to continue in physical mode as per academic calendar guidelines.
GRAP-IV measures in full effect
The decision follows the National Capital Region’s escalating air pollution levels, which led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate GRAP-IV restrictions earlier this week. The measures include a ban on diesel trucks, suspension of construction activities, and curbs on industrial operations using non-clean fuels.
Schools across Delhi and Gurugram have already adopted similar curbs, and Noida’s order brings Gautam Buddh Nagar in alignment with the NCR-wide response strategy.
Strict compliance instructions issued
In its written directive, the DIOS office has instructed all principals, headmasters, and coaching centre operators to implement the decision with immediate effect and ensure that teachers are available for both online and hybrid sessions. The order clearly states that “any violation of these directions will invite disciplinary and administrative action.”
Copies of the circular have also been forwarded to the Chief Development Officer, Basic Education Officer, and District Magistrate’s office for monitoring and enforcement. The DIOS has further advised institutions to submit digital attendance and class operation reports on a weekly basis.
Parents welcome the move
Several parents’ associations in Noida have welcomed the decision, saying it was necessary given the toxic smog and health emergencies reported among children in recent weeks.
“Our kids were struggling with cough and breathing problems. Online classes are the only sensible option right now,” said Priya Singh, mother of a grade 3 student in Sector 62.
However, a few schools have raised logistical concerns about implementing hybrid classes on short notice. A CBSE school principal said that maintaining synchronous online and offline classes will require additional technical support and faculty adjustments.
Effective till further orders
The new order came into force from December 14, 2025, and will remain valid until air quality improves or fresh directions are issued by the administration. Officials said the situation will be reviewed regularly in consultation with the Pollution Control Board and health authorities.
With air pollution showing no signs of abatement, Noida joins Delhi and Ghaziabad in moving back to remote learning a reminder of how environmental crises continue to disrupt the region’s educational calendar.
