Malaysia’s school year will officially return to a January start in 2026, marking a full transition back to pre-pandemic schedules.
In a statement on 28th October, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that the 2026 Academic Calendar for national and government- aided schools will run from 11th January to 31st December 2026 for Group A states, and 12th January to 31st December 2026 for Group B states.
Group A includes: Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu
Group B includes: Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and the Federal Territories
The ministry said the successful return of the school session to the January start date has been carried out gradually and systematically, without disrupting the operation of educational institutions. The 2026 Academic Calendar has also been aligned with major festive celebrations, including Hari Raya Aidilfiri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and the Kaamatan Festival, Hari Gawai Dayak and Christmas.
Malaysia’s school year was shifted to March in 2022, after adjustments made in response to the COVIC-19 pandemic. The ministry said this marks the completion of it’s phased effort to restore the school calendar to it’s original cycle.
The 2026 Academic Calendar, including detailed term dates and holidays, can be found on the Ministry of Education’s official website.
Here’s the 2026 School Holidays
According to the MOE, the 2026 academic year will comprise 202 school days, and 61 holidays. The schedule outlines key semester breaks and festive holidays to help students and families plan their year ahead.
Group A ( Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu- Friday-Saturday weekends)
- Semester 1 Holiday: 20th-28th March 2026 (9 days)
- Mid-Year Holiday: 22nd May to 6th June 2026 (16 days)
- Semester 2 Holiday: 28th August to 5th September 2026 (9 days)
- End of Year Holiday: 4th to 31st December 2026 (28 days)
Group B ( Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and the Federal Territories)
- Semester 1 Holiday: 21st-29th March 2026 (9 days)
- Mid-year Holiday: 23rd May to 7th June 2026 (16 days)
- Semester 2 Holiday: 29th August to 6th September 2026 (9 days)
- End of Year Holiday: 5th to 31st December 2026 (27 days)
Festive Celebration Breaks
To ensure ample rest and time with family, the MOE has also confirmed additional holiday allocations to accommodate key festive celebrations.
1) Chinese New Year (17th and 18th February 2026)
Group A (Additional Holidays): 15th, 16th and 19th February
Group B (Additional Holidays): 16th, 19th and 20th February
2) Hari Raya Aidilfitri (21st and 22nd March 2026)
Group A (Additional Holidays): 19th March
Group B (Additional Holidays): 19th and 20th March
3) Deepavali (8th November 2026)
Group A (Additional Holidays): 9th November
Group B (Additional Holidays except Sarawak): 10th November
The ministry said the 2026 calendar provides a balanced distribution of school days and holidays, aligning educational schedules with cultural and religious festivities while supporting the wellbeing of students, parents, and educators alike.
Sources: SAYS
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