The Karnataka government has introduced a temporary change in the working hours of government offices across nine districts in the state, considering the rising temperatures during the summer months. The revised schedule is intended to provide relief to government employees working in areas experiencing intense heat while ensuring that public services continue without disruption.
The revised office timings will apply during April and May 2026 in selected districts of Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka. Government departments in these regions have been instructed to follow the new working schedule during the specified period.
Government Offices to Start at 8 AM
Under the revised arrangement, government offices in the affected districts will operate from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
The change has been introduced because temperatures can become particularly high during the afternoon hours in several northern Karnataka districts. By moving the working hours to the morning and early afternoon, the government aims to reduce employees’ exposure to extreme afternoon heat while continuing essential administrative services.
The revised timing will be applicable in the following nine districts:
- Vijayapura
- Bagalkot
- Kalaburagi
- Bidar
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Koppal
- Ballari
- Vijayanagara
The order covers government offices functioning in these districts under the applicable administrative departments.
Limited Period of the Revised Schedule
The change in office hours is not a permanent modification. According to the information provided in the government order, the special summer schedule will remain in effect from April 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
From June onwards, government offices are expected to return to their regular working schedule unless another order is issued by the government.
Employees have been instructed to continue performing their assigned duties responsibly despite the shortened daily office hours. The revised schedule is intended as a measure to address the seasonal heat conditions and does not remove employees’ responsibilities toward government administration or public services.
Emergency Duties May Continue
The revised timings do not mean that government employees can remain unavailable outside the specified office hours whenever their services are urgently required.
The government has clarified that employees may be required to work beyond the revised schedule in emergency situations or when specific directions are issued by the concerned Deputy Commissioner or competent authority.
This provision is particularly relevant for departments involved in essential public services, emergency response, administration and other duties that cannot always be restricted to normal office hours.
Instructions to District Authorities
District-level authorities have been directed to ensure that the change in working hours does not adversely affect members of the public who depend on government services.
Officials are expected to make appropriate arrangements so that applications, certificates, administrative services and other public-facing activities continue smoothly during the revised working period.
Citizens visiting government offices in the nine districts should therefore take note of the temporary timing change and plan their visits accordingly.
Why Has the Government Changed the Timings?
Temperatures generally rise considerably across northern parts of Karnataka during the summer season. Several districts in Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka can experience particularly hot conditions during the afternoon.
The government has therefore adjusted office hours to place a greater portion of the working day in the cooler morning period. The decision is aimed at balancing employee welfare with the need to maintain government services.
Key Details at a Glance
Affected districts: Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Ballari and Vijayanagara.
Revised office hours: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
Effective period: April 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
Regular schedule: Expected to resume from June 2026, subject to further government instructions.
The temporary change in government office timings is primarily a seasonal measure for selected districts. Citizens are advised to check with their respective government department or district administration for any department-specific instructions before visiting an office.
