The decision came after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘Very Poor’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), with effect from November 2, 2026.
Delhi-NCR AQI Turns ‘Very Poor’: Will Schools Remain Open Under GRAP Stage 2?
The move has raised concerns among parents and students about whether schools and colleges in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad will remain open or shift to online classes. However, GRAP Stage II does not require schools or colleges to close or shift to hybrid classes. Educational institutions can continue with regular classes unless a separate order is issued by the concerned state government or district administration. No school or college closure is prescribed under Stage II of GRAP. The restrictions at this stage focus mainly on controlling pollution from vehicles, road dust and other sources. Parents should continue to follow updates shared by their respective schools and check announcements from local authorities for any separate instructions. The provision for hybrid classes comes into effect at more severe stages of GRAP. Under hybrid learning, students can attend classes physically or online, wherever the online option is available. The choice of online classes rests with students and their parents or guardians. With Stage II in force, authorities across Delhi-NCR have been asked to strengthen pollution-control measures. These measures are aimed at reducing dust and vehicle emissions across the region. Even when schools remain open, parents and school authorities should take precautions on days when air quality is poor. The CAQM may review the situation and introduce stricter measures if air quality deteriorates further.
