Are schools and universities going online? Possibility but no confirmation
Schools and universities across India are preparing to shift classes online after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged institutions to reduce fuel consumption amid rising global energy concerns. With no official mandate yet, many schools are voluntarily planning hybrid or online schedules to cut transport fuel use while ensuring learning continues without disruption.
Classrooms in Delhi may soon start looking very different. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global energy concerns, several private schools in the capital are preparing to shift classes online, at least temporarily.
“I will appeal to schools also that for some time, they should work on arrangements for online classes,” the Prime Minister said in his address on Monday, linking the move directly to the need to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.
India Today has reached out to several NCR-based institutions, including Satya School Gurugram, Noida International University, Amity University, Newton School and Lovely Professional University.
While none have taken a final call yet, most indicated that discussions are underway and a decision on possible online or hybrid schedules may be taken in the coming days, especially in the light of summer vacations beginning soon in schools across Delhi NCR schools. Summer vacations in Delhi government schools have already begun.
Mount Abu in Delhi is already preparing for the change. Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, is also mulling an online shift soon.
"Right now, we got the update that most probably the last working is 15th May for students till Class 8," said the spokesperson at Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh on Tuesday.
INSIDE A DELHI CLASSROOM
At Mount Abu School in Delhi, Principal Jyoti Arora has already begun preparing students for the change. Addressing a classroom, she explained how the shift is not just about logistics, but about responding to a larger national need.
“We have successfully switched to digital modes whenever needed in the past, and we are confident that you will adapt seamlessly again,” she told students, assuring them that learning will continue without disruption.
She added that the move aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision. “Ensuring that students remain continuously engaged in their studies has always been our priority.
This approach also supports the larger goal of conserving energy during this crisis.”
WHY SCHOOLS ARE CONSIDERING THE SHIFT
The backdrop is a growing global energy crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia, which has pushed up crude oil prices. India, which imports nearly 85% of its oil, is particularly vulnerable.
For schools, the biggest fuel cost comes from daily transport. Hundreds of buses run across the city every morning and afternoon. Moving even a portion of classes online could significantly reduce diesel consumption, along with electricity usage inside campuses.
Fatema Agarkar, Educationist and Founder of Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE), said that nearly 80 per cent of schools across India are currently on summer vacation, except for some international schools following northern hemisphere academic calendars and operating until mid-June, making the immediate pressure manageable.
She noted that school managements and leaders are closely monitoring developments, expecting the next four to five weeks to provide greater clarity, while preparedness measures are already under discussion as citizens remain cautious amid the ongoing crisis situation.
FUEL SAVINGS AND DIGITAL READINESS
Schools say the benefits go beyond immediate savings. “Consider the amount of fuel and energy we can conserve if most classes are conducted remotely,” Arora noted, pointing out that even one school can run over a dozen buses daily.
The pandemic years have already built a foundation for online learning. Platforms, teacher training, and student familiarity mean the transition can happen quickly if needed.
NO OFFICIAL ORDER, BUT MOMENTUM BUILDING
There is no government directive yet mandating school closures or online classes. Education remains a state subject, and any formal decision will come from local authorities.
But a pattern is emerging. IT companies are returning to work-from-home models, and schools are now following with their own voluntary steps.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT
For now, most schools are likely to adopt a flexible approach, combining physical and online classes depending on grade levels and academic schedules.
Board exam students may continue offline classes, while middle school sections could be the first to move online.
The shift, if it happens, will not just be about managing a crisis. It may signal how quickly India’s education system can adapt when the situation demands it.
Classrooms in Delhi may soon start looking very different. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global energy concerns, several private schools in the capital are preparing to shift classes online, at least temporarily.
“I will appeal to schools also that for some time, they should work on arrangements for online classes,” the Prime Minister said in his address on Monday, linking the move directly to the need to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.
India Today has reached out to several NCR-based institutions, including Satya School Gurugram, Noida International University, Amity University, Newton School and Lovely Professional University.
While none have taken a final call yet, most indicated that discussions are underway and a decision on possible online or hybrid schedules may be taken in the coming days, especially in the light of summer vacations beginning soon in schools across Delhi NCR schools. Summer vacations in Delhi government schools have already begun.
Mount Abu in Delhi is already preparing for the change. Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, is also mulling an online shift soon.
"Right now, we got the update that most probably the last working is 15th May for students till Class 8," said the spokesperson at Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh on Tuesday.
INSIDE A DELHI CLASSROOM
At Mount Abu School in Delhi, Principal Jyoti Arora has already begun preparing students for the change. Addressing a classroom, she explained how the shift is not just about logistics, but about responding to a larger national need.
“We have successfully switched to digital modes whenever needed in the past, and we are confident that you will adapt seamlessly again,” she told students, assuring them that learning will continue without disruption.
She added that the move aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision. “Ensuring that students remain continuously engaged in their studies has always been our priority.
This approach also supports the larger goal of conserving energy during this crisis.”
WHY SCHOOLS ARE CONSIDERING THE SHIFT
The backdrop is a growing global energy crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia, which has pushed up crude oil prices. India, which imports nearly 85% of its oil, is particularly vulnerable.
For schools, the biggest fuel cost comes from daily transport. Hundreds of buses run across the city every morning and afternoon. Moving even a portion of classes online could significantly reduce diesel consumption, along with electricity usage inside campuses.
Fatema Agarkar, Educationist and Founder of Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE), said that nearly 80 per cent of schools across India are currently on summer vacation, except for some international schools following northern hemisphere academic calendars and operating until mid-June, making the immediate pressure manageable.
She noted that school managements and leaders are closely monitoring developments, expecting the next four to five weeks to provide greater clarity, while preparedness measures are already under discussion as citizens remain cautious amid the ongoing crisis situation.
FUEL SAVINGS AND DIGITAL READINESS
Schools say the benefits go beyond immediate savings. “Consider the amount of fuel and energy we can conserve if most classes are conducted remotely,” Arora noted, pointing out that even one school can run over a dozen buses daily.
The pandemic years have already built a foundation for online learning. Platforms, teacher training, and student familiarity mean the transition can happen quickly if needed.
NO OFFICIAL ORDER, BUT MOMENTUM BUILDING
There is no government directive yet mandating school closures or online classes. Education remains a state subject, and any formal decision will come from local authorities.
But a pattern is emerging. IT companies are returning to work-from-home models, and schools are now following with their own voluntary steps.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT
For now, most schools are likely to adopt a flexible approach, combining physical and online classes depending on grade levels and academic schedules.
Board exam students may continue offline classes, while middle school sections could be the first to move online.
The shift, if it happens, will not just be about managing a crisis. It may signal how quickly India’s education system can adapt when the situation demands it.
