Himachal Schools To Run In Two Shifts Amid Admission Surge, Space Crunch

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 3:30 PM IST

Himachal Pradesh’s Directorate of School Education has introduced a dual-shift system in CBSE government schools: junior classes in the morning, senior classes in the evening

The decision comes amid increasing enrolment pressure in CBSE-affiliated government institutions across the state. (PTI Photo)

As classrooms across the hills groan under mounting admission pressure, the education authorities in Himachal Pradesh have rolled out a significant administrative intervention to ensure that no eligible student is denied entry into government schools.

In an order issued from Shimla, the Directorate of School Education announced that all government senior secondary schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), where seats have reached capacity and additional sections cannot be created due to infrastructure constraints, will now be permitted to operate in two shifts.

The decision comes amid increasing enrolment pressure in CBSE-affiliated government institutions across the state. The directorate observed that denying admission to eligible students due to lack of space runs contrary to public interest and the broader objective of ensuring access to quality education. The shift system has therefore been introduced with immediate effect as a temporary arrangement until further notice.

According to the orders, the dual-shift model will apply only in schools where enhancing sections is not feasible under CBSE norms and OASIS data provisions. Where infrastructure permits, the shift system will not be adopted. Authorities have clarified that wherever possible, steps such as increasing sections, merging nearby schools, downgrading or even closing institutions, or using available government buildings will be explored to optimise resources before resorting to the shift arrangement. In such cases, the process for section enhancement will be initiated in consultation with the directorate and in compliance with CBSE guidelines.

Under the new system, junior classes will be conducted in the morning shift, while senior classes will attend the evening shift. Special emphasis has been laid on maintaining discipline, safety, sanitation and cleanliness in both shifts. Importantly, parents will not be compelled to opt for a particular shift and may choose a nearby government school as per their convenience.

School Education Director Ashish Kohli, who issued the orders, stated that the arrangement will remain under periodic review and may be revised or withdrawn by the state government if required.

Meanwhile, quoting official sources, UNI reported that the decision followed a departmental meeting held on February 27 after several school principals flagged infrastructural constraints and restrictions under CBSE affiliation norms as major hurdles in accommodating all eligible applicants. UNI further reported that the dual-shift system will be adopted only where enhancement of sections through OASIS data updates and the CBSE’s SARAS 6.0 platform is not feasible.

According to UNI, principals have been empowered to finalise detailed operational plans in consultation with School Management Committees, ensuring orderly transition between shifts and effective academic supervision. The news agency also reported that the shift system will take effect immediately, subject to CBSE approval.

It is pertinent to note that the Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh has so far brought 148 government schools under the CBSE framework, while additional teachers and staff are to be recruited to strengthen the system. UNI, however, reported that the broader CBSE expansion initiative began last year with 100 government senior secondary schools as part of efforts to standardise learning outcomes across the state.

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