Many public schools have changed their school timings following the gradual rise of mercury in Patna.

School authorities told The Telegraph that the move had been initiated to provide respite to the students and to ensure that they do not fall ill. Prominent schools, including Notre Dame Academy, Don Bosco Patna, St Xavier's High School, St Michael's High School, Patna Central School and Krishna Niketan, have reduced their duration this week. Earlier, the schools started at 6.50am and continued until 12.50pm.

Sister Jessie, principal, Notre Dame Academy, said: "We decided to change the timings, which will be convenient for kids and their parents due to the rising temperature in the city. Now, the school will start at 6.20am and classes will be dismissed by 11.30am."

Principals of other schools expressed the same. Mary Alphonso, principal, Don Bosco Academy, said: "After 12noon, the heat becomes unbearable. Some of the parents came to us with the complaint too. Some students had fallen ill in the school due to the heat. The timings have been changed now and the classes are being dispersed by 12noon so that the students can get home before it becomes too hot. Falling sick will affect their studies."

Some other schools are also considering a change in timings, which will take effect within a week. Sister Lucina, principal, St Joseph's Convent High School, said the school would wait another week before the timing was changed.

If the weather continues to be hotter, we will change the time according to the students' convenience. "The weather is harsh, especially for the montessori kids," she said. The school starts at 7.10am and the students disperse at 12.10pm. The authorities of Delhi Public School also said a change in school timings was expected by next week.

The changed school timing was good news for both parents and students.

Pratima Kumari, a Class VIII student of Notre Dame Academy, said: "The school directive regarding the changed school timing is a big relief for all the students. We will get to spend more time at home, take good care of our health and focus on studies."

Seema Jain, whose child studies at Notre Dame Academy, said: "I am happy with the new timings. The kids will not stay at school for long and will get time to study at home".