UP schools closed today in 60 districts for UPSSSC PET 2026; Noida, Ghaziabad among affected areas

Schools up to Class 12 in 60 districts of Uttar Pradesh will remain closed today, October 30, in view of the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2026. The holiday has been announced to facilitate the smooth conduct of the examination, manage traffic and ensure security at designated test centres.

According to local media reports, district administrations and District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) have issued closure orders for schools being used as examination centres and other educational institutions. The decision comes as more than 35 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the state-level screening examination across 1,372 centres.

In Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida), the district administration has ordered the closure of 32 schools on October 30. An order signed by District Inspector of Schools Chandra Shekhar lists 32 examination centres across government, aided and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)-affiliated schools. Of these, 15 are CBSE-affiliated institutions. The notice states that the holiday will apply to the 32 schools identified as examination centres. However, school staff will continue to report for examination-related duties, while students will remain at home.

In Ghaziabad, all schools up to Class 12 will also remain closed on October 30. According to the District Inspector of Schools, the UPSSSC PET 2026 will be conducted at 44 centres in the district on October 30 and November 1. Around 20,000 candidates are expected to appear in each shift. The closure has been announced to prevent traffic congestion and manage the movement of candidates and their accompanying family members. Schools have been instructed to ensure compliance with the district administration's order.

UPSSSC PET 2026: Exam dates and timings

UPSSSC PET 2026 is being conducted on October 25, October 30 and November 1 in two shifts each day. The examination is held to shortlist candidates for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts in Uttar Pradesh government departments.

The examination timings are as follows:

More than 35 lakh candidates have registered for the examination, which is being conducted at 1,372 centres across the state.

Why are schools closed in Uttar Pradesh today?

The closure has been announced to ensure the smooth conduct of UPSSSC PET 2026 and manage the large number of candidates expected at examination centres. Several schools and educational institutions are being used as test venues, requiring additional security and logistical arrangements. The expected movement of lakhs of candidates and their guardians is also likely to increase traffic in several districts. Suspending regular academic activities is intended to reduce congestion around examination centres and prevent disruption to the examination process.

Students and parents have been advised to contact their respective school administrations for confirmation of the closure and further instructions.