Deepavali school holiday is 9 and 10 Nov as varsities go online

The Deepavali school holiday falls on Monday 9 November and Tuesday 10 November for schools in most states. The Education Ministry set the dates in its 2026 calendar.

Public universities, polytechnics and colleges may also hold online classes from 5 to 13 November. The Higher Education Ministry said so. Deepavali bazaars are already open across Kuala Lumpur and Klang.

Here is who gets which days, what the online option covers and what is still unclear.

School holiday dates by state

Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November. So the school days off come right after it.

First, Group B schools get two days. That covers 12 states and territories. They include Penang, Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

The rest are Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Labuan and Putrajaya.

For them, Monday 9 November is a festival replacement holiday. Tuesday 10 November is an extra holiday from the ministry.

Next, Group A schools get one day. They are in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. Their day off is Monday 9 November.

Also, Sarawak gets Monday 9 November only. It is not part of the extra day on 10 November.

These dates come from the ministry’s 2026 calendar. Parents should still check their school’s notice.

So Group B pupils get four days off in a row, from Saturday 7 to Tuesday 10 November. Families can plan trips around that.

Online classes for public higher learning

The Higher Education Ministry said public institutions may hold online or hybrid classes from 5 to 13 November. That is nine days, from Thursday to the Friday after Deepavali.

Also, the window includes the weekend of 7 and 8 November. It is separate from the Deepavali school holiday for schools.

The option is for Hindu students and teaching staff. It covers all public universities, polytechnics and community colleges.

The ministry said it lets them go home. They can spend the festive season with their families.

However, it is not an order. The ministry said it depends on the needs of each academic programme.

So each institution will decide for itself. Students should wait for word from their own campus.

In a statement, the ministry said the aim is to keep teaching and academic activities running smoothly. It also sent its Deepavali greetings to Hindu students, staff and all Malaysians.

What is still unclear

First, the statement does not name private universities and colleges. They may set their own plans.

Next, it says nothing about exams or lab classes. Students who have tests that week should ask their lecturers early.

Still, the nine days are a ceiling, not a promise. A campus may offer fewer days, or only some classes online.

Also, the statement names Hindu students and staff. It does not say if other students can join online sessions.

However, the reports do not say if Monday 9 November is a nationwide holiday for workers. Employers will confirm.

Finally, there is the matter of campus. Some courses may need students on site, as the ministry said it depends on each course.

Meanwhile, malls are dressing up for the season. For example, six malls have kolam, diyas and photo stairs.

In short, check your school or campus notice before you plan around the Deepavali school holiday.

Dont miss:

Citizen’s Journal extends warmest Deepavali wishes Karcher pays tribute to cleaners worldwide Wesak Day float procession to make a comeback Celebrate Father’s Day with memorable moments