Revised school timings announced for Urdu medium schools during Ramzan in Karnataka

Bengaluru : In view of the upcoming month of Ramzan, the Karnataka government has revised school timings for Urdu medium primary and secondary schools across the state. The new schedule has been introduced to accommodate Muslim students and staff observing the month-long fast. According to the revised order, classes in Urdu medium schools will now be conducted from 8.00 a.m. to 12.45 p.m.

An official circular regarding the change has been issued by the Directorate of Urdu and Other Minority Language Schools. The revised timings will be applicable to all government, aided and unaided Urdu medium schools, including lower primary, higher primary and high schools in Karnataka. The order will come into effect from the first day of Ramzan and remain valid till March 20, 2026.

Under normal circumstances, school hours in these institutions are from 10.00 a.m. to 4.20 p.m. However, considering the difficulties faced by fasting students and teachers, the government has decided to reduce the working hours during the Ramzan period. The decision was taken following a request from the Karnataka State Primary School Teachers’ Association and after reviewing a similar order that was in place in 2002.

As per the circular, the loss of instructional hours due to the reduced schedule will be compensated by conducting classes on other holidays or through additional working days. The order further states that Muslim students and staff members who observe fasting during Ramzan may be permitted to leave school half an hour early in the evening.

The directive clarifies that the revised timings are applicable only for the duration of the Ramzan month in the academic year 2025-26. It also mentions that all annual examinations for primary and secondary classes must be conducted as per the previously announced schedule. However, the order will not apply to Urdu medium teachers assigned to SSLC examination centres or those engaged in examination duties.

Meanwhile, the decision has triggered a political controversy in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the move, accusing the Congress-led state government of indulging in appeasement politics. BJP leaders questioned whether similar relaxations would be provided during Hindu festivals and alleged that the government was favouring one community.

Responding to the criticism, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara defended the decision, stating that it was not a matter of appeasement but a step towards ensuring equal opportunities. “Providing special consideration to minority communities is not about favouritism. The Constitution itself provides reservations and support for historically disadvantaged groups so that they can stand on par with others,” he said.

He further added that the government’s intention was to help Urdu medium students grow on par with their peers from other backgrounds. “If such small measures for equality are opposed, it only shows a mindset against social justice,” the minister remarked.

The revised school timing decision is expected to benefit thousands of students and teachers across Karnataka during the holy month of Ramzan, ensuring both religious observance and academic continuity.