The city schools would remain closed on Monday in the wake of the RJD's Bihar bandh.

Most of the school principals cited safety as the reason for the shutdown. Several institutions have postponed the exams slated for Monday.

The RJD has called the bandh demanding the release of the caste data of the socio-economic caste census.

Mary Alphonso, the principal of Don Bosco Academy, said: "The school will be closed on Monday for the security of the students."

St Xavier's High School rescheduled the ongoing exams for the students.

Parents appeared relieved with the idea.

"Bandhs could witness violent outbursts from the party workers. They chose the state for the bandh, which is unjust. The protest should have been carried out in New Delhi. It is good that the schools have decided to remain shut on Monday," said Anuj Srikanth, whose two children study at Loyola School.

Another parent, Madhulika Roy, a resident of Boring Canal Road, said: "I still remember the time, when a bandh had witnessed party workers burning vehicles. The closure of schools is a good decision. My daughter will get one more day to prepare for her first terminal exams," she said.

The extended weekend brought cheers from the students from different schools.

Shristi Shrey, a Class VIII student of Notre Dame Academy who stays in a hostel, said: "Three days off has given me ample time to visit my family in Bihar Sharif. I thought I wouldn't be able to go home until Dussehra. I am really happy."

For students of St Xavier's High School, the extended weekend would mean an unofficial study leave for the first terminal exams. At St Joseph's Convent High School, Monday is an official study leave.

Ojaswini, a Class VIII student of St Joseph's Convent High School, said: "We are lucky that our exam schedule is intact. I really hate exams being rescheduled or cancelled. All the hard work goes in vain and you need to prepare all over again."