Are Delhi NCR schools and universities going online? Possibility but no confirmation

Delhi schools and universities 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.

In Short

• Rising West Asia tensions have increased crude prices, deepening India’s energy concerns
• School transport remains the biggest expense, with buses consuming diesel daily
• Mount Abu School has told students learning can continue 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

- Ends