Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has officially declared Monday, July 20, 2026, a holiday for all educational institutions across the state, including schools and professional colleges. The decision was made to allow students and football enthusiasts to watch the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final between defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain.
Because the blockbuster title clash kicks off at 12:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST), the match will keep fans awake well into the early hours of Monday morning, heavily disrupting the day's regular schedule.
Key Highlights of the Government Order
Pre-Scheduled Exams Will Proceed: The Chief Minister's Office has clarified that there will be no changes to any examinations that were already scheduled for Monday.
Student-Driven Decision: The holiday was finalized after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the General Education Department received an overwhelming number of requests from football-loving students, parents, and educational institutions.
Minister's Message: General Education Minister N. Samsudheen took to social media to announce the holiday, playfully addressing the students by writing, "Happy now, children?".