Parents and students across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna and Bengaluru are seeking clarity. Will schools shut on May 7 due to the nationwide civil defence mock drill?
As of Tuesday evening, there is no official directive ordering school closures in any of these cities. Confusion persists, but the message from officials is clear — schools will stay open unless informed otherwise.
"Any official order regarding closure of schools has not been issued yet. However, to be on a safer side, the students are advised to be in touch with their respective school for latest update," reported India.com, citing education authorities.
Exams in Maharashtra to proceed as scheduled
In Mumbai, where questions were raised about college exams, the University of Mumbai has confirmed all tests will go ahead as planned.
A circular issued by Dr Pooja Raundale, Director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation, stated, “The Directors / Heads of various academic departments of the University, Principals of the Colleges affiliated / operated by the University, Directors / Heads of recognized Institutions, Professors and Directors of Distance and Online Education Centers, Coordinators / Directors of Ratnagiri, Thane and Kalyan Sub Campuses of the University are hereby brought to the notice that tomorrow on 07th May, 2025 all examinations of the University as well as Colleges will be held within the scheduled time and all the concerned should take care to avoid any confusion among the students in this regard. All concerned should take it.”
Why the sudden mock drill?
The Home Ministry’s decision to launch the nationwide exercise comes in the wake of heightened security concerns. The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, has prompted urgent reassessments of India's civil preparedness.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a letter dated May 2, ordered all states and Union Territories to carry out the mock drill in 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts. This will be the country’s largest civil defence operation since 1971.
“Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025,” the official letter stated.
These districts span from Delhi and Mumbai to border-sensitive zones in Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast.
What the drill will involve
The nationwide mock drill will test India’s readiness in case of an external attack. Among the planned activities are:
Citizens have been advised to stay indoors if possible and keep essentials such as torches, candles, first aid kits, and cash ready.
Security stepped up in the Capital
In Delhi, preparations have already begun. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) are coordinating with local police teams to increase vigilance.
A senior official told PTI, “We have already increased day and night patrolling in the city. We have deployed paramilitary forces, along with police personnel, at Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Security has already been beefed up in the city. The DCPs are personally monitoring the arrangements in their districts. They are holding meetings with assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs).”
High-level meetings and rising tensions
The decision to conduct the drills follows a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. National security officials and civil defence heads convened with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday to review preparedness.
The move comes as tensions continue to rise with Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistani authorities have issued warnings of swift retaliation, adding to the urgency on the Indian side.
Though schools will stay open and university exams are unaffected, the message from officials is serious: this is a readiness test, not a routine drill.
The public is urged to cooperate, remain alert, and trust verified sources for updates. The scale and intensity of the exercise reflect the gravity of current regional developments and the government’s push for nationwide readiness.
As of Tuesday evening, there is no official directive ordering school closures in any of these cities. Confusion persists, but the message from officials is clear — schools will stay open unless informed otherwise.
"Any official order regarding closure of schools has not been issued yet. However, to be on a safer side, the students are advised to be in touch with their respective school for latest update," reported India.com, citing education authorities.
Exams in Maharashtra to proceed as scheduled
In Mumbai, where questions were raised about college exams, the University of Mumbai has confirmed all tests will go ahead as planned.
A circular issued by Dr Pooja Raundale, Director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation, stated, “The Directors / Heads of various academic departments of the University, Principals of the Colleges affiliated / operated by the University, Directors / Heads of recognized Institutions, Professors and Directors of Distance and Online Education Centers, Coordinators / Directors of Ratnagiri, Thane and Kalyan Sub Campuses of the University are hereby brought to the notice that tomorrow on 07th May, 2025 all examinations of the University as well as Colleges will be held within the scheduled time and all the concerned should take care to avoid any confusion among the students in this regard. All concerned should take it.”
Why the sudden mock drill?
The Home Ministry’s decision to launch the nationwide exercise comes in the wake of heightened security concerns. The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, has prompted urgent reassessments of India's civil preparedness.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a letter dated May 2, ordered all states and Union Territories to carry out the mock drill in 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts. This will be the country’s largest civil defence operation since 1971.
“Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025,” the official letter stated.
These districts span from Delhi and Mumbai to border-sensitive zones in Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast.
What the drill will involve
The nationwide mock drill will test India’s readiness in case of an external attack. Among the planned activities are:
- Rehearsals of evacuation plans
- Sounding of air raid sirens
- Simulated power blackouts
- Training civilians on self-protection during a ‘hostile attack’
- Camouflaging of vital installations
- Testing hotline and radio links with the Indian Air Force
- Operationalisation of control and backup ‘shadow’ rooms
Citizens have been advised to stay indoors if possible and keep essentials such as torches, candles, first aid kits, and cash ready.
Security stepped up in the Capital
In Delhi, preparations have already begun. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) are coordinating with local police teams to increase vigilance.
A senior official told PTI, “We have already increased day and night patrolling in the city. We have deployed paramilitary forces, along with police personnel, at Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Security has already been beefed up in the city. The DCPs are personally monitoring the arrangements in their districts. They are holding meetings with assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs).”
High-level meetings and rising tensions
The decision to conduct the drills follows a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. National security officials and civil defence heads convened with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday to review preparedness.
The move comes as tensions continue to rise with Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistani authorities have issued warnings of swift retaliation, adding to the urgency on the Indian side.
Though schools will stay open and university exams are unaffected, the message from officials is serious: this is a readiness test, not a routine drill.
The public is urged to cooperate, remain alert, and trust verified sources for updates. The scale and intensity of the exercise reflect the gravity of current regional developments and the government’s push for nationwide readiness.
You may also like
BREAKING: Flavio Briatore back as F1 team principal as shock resignation announced
IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans End Mumbai Indians' Win Streak In Rain-marred Thriller
Emmerdale viewers all say same thing as Joe Tate makes 'vile' threat to Clemmie
India-UK Free Trade Agreement a major step forward, says PHDCCI chief Hemant Jain
Supreme Court to Centre: Publish road accidents report 2023 by August
