GRAP Stage 3 in Delhi-NCR: Schools to Shift to Hybrid Classes, Check Vehicle Bans
New Delhi: Due to the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from November 6, 2026. This has resulted in immediate changes for schools and students in the NCR region. As of November 6, the average air quality index for the region was in the ‘very poor’ category at 382. While the average across the region hasn’t been in the ‘severe’ category, which is at 400 or above, the CAQM took precautionary measures to implement Stage III of GRAP.
Along with the existing Stage I and II measures, employers and employees need to review which restrictions apply to their workplace to understand if they must work from home. The same goes for commuters to understand if their vehicle is restricted from plying. Schools and parents must also review which of the GRAP stage restrictions apply to them, to understand if they must implement the hybrid learning model.
What Changes for Schools and Students?
With the implementation of GRAP Stage III, schools in the following NCR districts need to implement hybrid learning for students up to Class 5.
- Delhi
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Ghaziabad
- Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida)
Schools must allow the flexibility for students to learn online.
Is GRAP Stage 3 An Order For Closure Of All Schools?
No. This order does not mandate closure of all schools in Delhi-NCR. It allows for hybrid learning of students up to Class 5 in specified areas and will take effect from April 1, 2022. Individual schools will communicate their arrangements to parents.
Hybrid learning is not extended to students of Classes 6 and above. Parents are requested to look for official communication from their child’s school to know about the next steps.
What are the vehicle bans during GRAP Stage 3? Which vehicles are prohibited?
As part of GRAP Stage 3, limits will also be placed on specific vehicles that are older and more polluting.The main limits will be:
- Vehicle Type
- Restriction
- Light Motor Vehicles (BS-III)
- Restricted in designated areas
- Light Motor Vehicles (BS-IV) and older
- Restricted in designated areas
- Light Motor Vehicles (BS-VI)
- Permitted
- Electric Vehicles
- Permitted
- CNG vehicles
- Permitted
Restriction on older Light Motor Vehicles are in effect for the Delhi region and high vehicle density areas of NCR (Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar).
Vehicles specially adapted for use by persons with disabilities are exempted from the restrictions. Additional restrictions apply to some older diesel medium goods vehicles registered in Delhi and some goods vehicles coming to Delhi from outside.
GRAP Stage 3: Are Offices Required to Implement Work From Home?
Office layouts are another aspect to consider in the current restrictions. However, a 50% work from home rule does not mean the same for all employers. Under the GRAP framework:
- Public, Municipal and Private offices in the States of Delhi and NCR will have to decide on 50% physical attendance.
- The rest of the workforce may work from home if this provision is implemented.
- The Central Government may also consider work from home provisions for its staff.
- Meanwhile, Private offices have been advised to implement work-from-home/hybrid work weeks.
Employees should check announcements from their respective employers and/or States before making any changes to their work attendance.
Construction, Industrial and Other Restrictions
GRAP Stage III imposes other restrictions beyond schools and transport. All construction and demolition activities, including excavation, earthwork, piling, drilling, road construction and repairs, are restricted. Dust generating activities such as cutting, grinding, and painting are also restricted. Stone crushing units, mining and hot-mix operations must be closed as prescribed.
Essential Infrastructure projects may continue, subject to dust control. Use of Diesel Generators is restricted, except for essential and emergency services. Public Transport and the Metro remains operational. The authorities may increase public transport services and decrease reliance on private transport.
What Should Students and Parents Do Now?
With pollution restrictions, there are some things students and parents should do:
- Check for notifications about your child's hybrid class schedule and online attendance.
- Confirm if your child's scheduled activities will be postponed or canceled.
- Ensure your child can access school learning platforms, digital assignments and other study material.
- Follow instructions before visiting the campus.
- Pay attention to the official communication of the Delhi Directorate of Education and concerned NCR Education Departments.
Students preparing for board examinations or other school or college entrance exams, should not assume that the dates or schedules of such examinations have been changed. No change or postponement of board examinations has been made due to GRAP Stage III.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Has GRAP Stage 3 been implemented in Delhi-NCR?
Yes. GRAP Stage 3 was implemented across Delhi-NCR, with effect from 6 November 2026 by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) of Delhi-NCR.
Q2. Will schools be shut under GRAP Stage 3?
No general school closure order has been passed. Schools should hold classes for students up to Class 5 in Delhi and specified NCR districts using the hybrid mode.
Q3. What classes will be held using hybrid mode?
As per the order, hybrid learning mode should be followed for students up to Class 5.
Q4. Will classes 6 to 12 also be held using hybrid mode?
As per GRAP Stage 3, only classes up to 5 are covered and so there will be no change for classes 6 to 12 unless any separate order is passed by the Government.
Q5. What types of vehicles are restricted under GRAP Stage 3?
Vehicles powered by BS-III engines are restricted.
Q6. Is work from home mandatory for all private offices?
No. Decisions about the 50% attendance arrangement rests with the state governments and the Delhi administration. Private offices have been suggested to consider hybrid working.
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