URL copied Punjab reopens schools for students of Class 5 to 12 from today, issues fresh guidelines Schools in Punjab for students of Class 5 to 12 reopens from today. The state's School Education Department on Thursday issued detailed guidelines for educational institutes in areas outside containment zones to ensure students' safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. The schools will remain open from 10 am to 3 pm. On Wednesday, Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla had informed that schools in the state for classes V to XII will reopen from January 7 with Covid-19 protocols in place. However, Singla emphasized today that online or distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching, despite the reopening of schools, and attendance of all students will not be mandatory.