Important Days in October 2025: National and International Special Days and Dates List

Important Days & Dates in October 2025:October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendar. The length of the month of October is 31 days. October is usually abbreviated as ‘Oct’.
It precedes the month of November and succeeds the month of September in the traditional Gregorian calendar.

October is also one of the 7 months in the traditional Gregorian Calendar that has 31 days.October also stands as one of the most eventful month in the global calendar packed with national and international observances spanning education, health, peace and social awareness.

There are many important days and events that are observed in India on a national level and international and world level in the month of October 2025.

In Catholic Church tradition, the month of October is observed as the Month of the Holy Rosary. It is also observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The name October comes from the Latin word ‘Octo’ which actually means ‘eight’. That’s why it was the eighth month in the early Roman calendar until the advent of the Gregorian calendar.As per the Anglo-Saxons, this month was called Winterfylleth, meaning ‘fullness of Winter.

October is the month where the autumn deepens in the Norther Hemisphere and spring blossoms in the Southern Hemisphere.

Important Days in October 2025: National and International Special Days and Dates List

Some of the notable important days of national and international importance in October 2025 include Gandhi Jayanti in India, International Coffee Day, World Vegetarian Day, Dussehra, World Teachers’ Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, World Habitat Day, World Cotton Day, Indian Air Force Day, World Postal Day, Karva Chauth, National Post day in India, World Mental Health Day, International Day of the Girl Child, Breast Cancer Awareness Day, World Standards Day, Global Handwashing Day, World Students’ Day, World Food Day, World Anaesthesia Day, Dhanteras, Diwali, World Statistics Day, Bhaidooj, UN Day, World Thrift Day, Halloween, etc.

Remembering the Important Days in October 2025 is imperative for students and government competitive exam aspirants preparing for Bank, Intelligence Bureau (IB ACIO, IB Junior Intelligence Officer (JIO), IB Security Assistant), Insurance, SSC, TNPSC, Railways, TNUSRB SI/PC Police, TNTET, Karnataka PSC and other PSC and Central Govt. Exams.

Aspirants must therefore be minutely aware of the list of important national and international days with special relevance and their themes of October month in 2025.

In Bank and government competitive exams, there will typically questions based on the ‘Important Days and Dates’ topic in the Current Affairs / General Awareness section. Here in this article, Veranda RACE has compiled a comprehensive list of important days and dates with special references to their importance and their themes (if any) in October month in 2025 that will help in the preparation for various Bank and Government competitive exams, including UPSC, SSC, NDA, CDS, TNPSC, Bank, Insurance, TNUSRB, Karnataka PSC, Kerala PSC, Intelligence Bureau, UPSC EPFO, UPSC CAPF, Kerala PSC LDC, TNTET, etc.

List of Important Days & Dates in October 2025

Veranda RACE’s erudite R&D team (Bank, SSC, TNPSC, Karnataka PSC, Railways & TNTET) with years of teaching experience and subject matter experts in various exams has prepared an exhaustive list of details about the important days and dates of national and important events in October 2025 for the aspirants preparing for various exams in 2025 like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS SO, SBI PO, SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC JE, RRB NTPC, RRB Technician, SSC CHSL, TNPSC Group 1, TNPSC Group 4, TNPSC Group 2, TNPSC Group 2A, UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, CDS, NDA, TNUSRB SI/PC Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB) ACIO, IB Security Assistant, IB Junior Intelligence Officer, UPSC EPFO, NIACL AO, NICL AO, etc.

Check out the detailed list given below containing all the important days and dates in October 2025 here from the Best Bank, SSC, TNPSC, TNUSRB, TNTET, Railways and Karnataka PSC Coaching Institute in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka & Puducherry in 2025:

List of Important Days and Dates in October 2025

Date

Event

1 October

Independence Day of Cyprus

1 October

Independence Day of Nigeria

1 October

Independence Day of Palau

1 October

Independence Day of Tuvalu

1 October

International Coffee Day

1 October

International Day of Older Persons

1 October

International Music Day

1 October

World Vegetarian Day

2 October

International Day of Non-Violence

2 October

Mahatma Gandhi Birth Anniversary / Gandhi Jayanti

2 October

Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti

2 October

Kamarajar Jayanti

2 October

Dussehra

2 October

World Day of Farmed Animals

4 October

Independence Day of Lesotho

4 October

World Animal Day

5 October

World Teachers’ Day (UNESCO)

5 October

Republic Day of Portugal

6 October

World Habitat Day

6 October

World Cerebral Palsy Day

7 October

World Cotton Day

7 October

International Neuralgia Awareness Day

8 October

Indian Air Force Day / IAF Day

9 October

Independence Day of Uganda

9 October

World Post Day

9 October

World Sight day

9 October

Hangeul Day / Korean Alphabet Day (in South Korea)

10 October

World Mental Health Day (WHO)

10 October

National Post Day in India

10 October

Independence Day of Cuba

10 October

Independence Day of Fiji

11 October

International Day of the Girl Child

12 October

World Migratory Bird Day (UNEP)

12 October

Independence Day of Equatorial Guinea

13 October

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

14 October

World Standards Day / International Standards Day

15 October

International Day of Rural Women

15 October

World White Cane Day

15 October

Global Handwashing Day

16 October

World Food Day (FAO)

16 October

Pope John Paul II Day (in Poland)

16 October

World Anaesthesia Day

17 October

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

18 October

Alaska Day

18 October

Dhanteras

18 October

World Menopause Day

20 October

World Osteoporosis Day

20 October

World Statistics Day

21 October

Diwali

22 October

International Caps Lock Day

22 October

International Stuttering Awareness Day

23 October

International Day of the Snow Leopard

24 October

United Nations Day / UN Day

24 October

World Development Information Day

24 October

Independence Day of Zambia

24 October

World Polio Day

27 October

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (UNSECO)

27 October

Independence Day of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

29 October

International Day of Care and Support

29 October

Republic Day of Turkey

29 October

World Stroke Day

30 October

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas / National Unity Day/ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Birth Anniversary (in India)

31 October

World Cities Day

31 October

World Savings Day

31 October

Halloween

Details of Important Days and Dates in October 2025

Candidates preparing for various bank and government competitive exams in India can find the details of the important days and dates in October 2025:

World Habitat Day – 6 October 2025

World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October every year.

This day was recognised by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

This day was first celebrated in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya

The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award was launched by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) in 1989. It is currently the most prestigious human settlements award in the world. It is presented to the winners during the global observance of the World Habitat Day.

The Scroll of Honour Award by the UN-Habitat recognises both individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to urban development.

The World Habitat Day Theme for 2025 is ‘Urban Crisis Response’ to address multiple crises affecting urban areas including climate and conflicts that are contributing to inequality and promotes existing tools and approaches to effective crisis response.

World Cerebral Palsy Day – 6 October 2025

World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed annually on 6 October to raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy and advocate for the rights of those affected.

Cerebral Palsy is a life-long disorder or condition affecting movement and posture caused by brain injury during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Globally more than 1.7 crore people live with cerebral palsy. More than 350 million_ parents, family members and caregivers are directly affected due to cerebral palsy.

The World Cerebral Palsy Day was first observed in 2012 by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Australia).

The World Cerebral Palsy Day Theme of 2025 is ‘Unique and United’.

Global Handwashing Day – 15 October 2025

Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on 15 October. It was initiated by the Global Handwashing Partnership in 2008 during the International Year of Sanitation.

This is an international hand washing promotion campaign to motivate people around the world to improve hand washing habits and prevent diseases and infections.

The Global Handwashing Day was first celebrated in 2018.

The Global Handwashing Day Theme 2025 is 'Be a Handwashing Hero' as part of the ongoing multi-year campaign encouraging everyone to champion hand hygiene.

International Day of Rural Women – 15 October 2025

International Day of Rural Women is celebrated every year on 15 October by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This day aims to highlight the role and situation of women in rural areas across the world.

The first International Day of Rural Women was celebrated on 15 October 1995 by the Women's World Summit Foundation. The United Nations General Assembly officially adopted the date with the signing of a resolution on 18 December 2007.


Birth Anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam / World Students' Day - 15 October 2025

World Students' Day is celebrated in India on 15 October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's 11th President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was bestowed the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 for his work with ISRO and DRDO by the Indian Government.

He was also honoured with India's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1997 for his contribution towards scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.

He was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. In 2002, he became the 11th President of India and served until 2007.

He was famously known as the 'Missile Man of India'.

Books Written by APJ Abdul Kalam: Wings of Fire, India 2020, Ignited Minds, Indomitable Spirit, Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji

World Food Day - 16 October 2025

World Food Day is observed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation on 16 October every year worldwide to raise awareness about global food insecurity and malnutrition.

It is celebrated on 16 October to commemorate the date of founding the UN FAO in 1945.

World Food Day was established by UN FAO's member countries at its 20th General Conference in Nov 1979.

This year (2025) marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of United Nations FAO.

The World Food Day Theme for 2025 is 'Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future'.


World Anaesthesia Day - 16 October 2025

World Anaesthesia Day (or the Ether Day) is an annual event celebrated around world on 16 October to commemorate the first successful demonstration of diethyl ether anaesthesia by William Norton on 16 October 1846.

The World Anaesthesia Day Theme for 2025 is 'Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies'.

This day honours the work of anaesthesiologists worldwide and to reflect on medical progress using anaesthesia.


Pope John Paul II Day - 16 October 2025

Pope John Paul II Day is celebrated in Poland every year on 16 October as a tribute to commemorate the anniversary of the election of Karol Wojtyla as the Pope.

He was the first Catholic Pope from Poland and the first Pope to be a native speaker of a Slavic language. His Pontificate was among the longest in history, second only to Saint Peter and Pius IX. It lasted almost 27 years.

He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 30 April 2011 and canonised by Pope Francis on 27 April 2014.


International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - 17 October 2025

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observance celebrated each year on 17 October throughout the world.

This day promotes the dialogue and understanding about poverty within governments and policymakers.

This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 1992.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Theme for 2025 is 'Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment by Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families Living in Poverty'.

The first commemoration of the International Day of Eradication of Poverty was celebrated as 'World Day to Overcome Poverty' took place in Paris, France in 1987.

Alaska Day - 18 October 2025

Alaska Day is an annual event celebrated in the U.S. state of Alaska on 18 October.

It observes the anniversary of the formal transfer of territories in present-day Alaska from the Russian Empire to the United States of America on 18 October 1867.

The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire for a sum of $7.2 million in 1867.

This day was first declared by the Alaska's territorial legislature in 1917.

Important Days and Dates List in 2025: Veranda RACE

Aspirants preparing for Bank and government competitive exams in India can find the list of important days and dates in each month in 2025 here from Veranda RACE:

Veranda RACE’s Important Days and Dates in 2025

Important Dates and Days in June 2025: National and International Days List

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Important Dates and Days in July 2025: National and International Days List

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Important Dates and Days in August2025: National and International Days List

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Important Dates and Days in September2025: National and International Days List

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FAQs

October 2025 features a wide range of national and international observances that are highly significant for UPSC, SSC, TNPSC, Bank, Insurance and other government competitive exams. Some of the most important days include Gandhi Jayanti (2 October), World Teachers’ Day (5 October), World Cerebral Palsy Day (6 October), World Habitat Day (6 October), Indian Air Force Day (8 October), World Mental Health Day (10 October), International Day of the Girl Child (11 October), World Food Day (16 October), World Statistics Day (20 October), United Nations Day (24 October), and National Unity Day in India (31 October). These dates often appear in General Awareness, Static GK, and Current Affairs sections of major exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, SSC CGL, UPSC CSE and TNPSC Group 1 and 2 Exams. Understanding the themes, history and global relevance of these days improves your exam preparation and awareness quotient.
October is regarded as a global awareness month because it marks the observance of several campaigns that promote education, health, environment and peace. It is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Month of the Holy Rosary in the Catholic tradition. Globally, it includes days such as World Mental Health Day, World Food Day, International Day of the Girl Child and World Habitat Day, all focusing on human welfare and sustainable development. For aspirants of UPSC, SSC and TNPSC exams, knowing why these observances are celebrated, along with their themes and origins, is crucial for answering both direct and analytical General Knowledge and Awareness questions.
In India, October 2025 is marked by several culturally and historically significant observances such as Gandhi Jayanti (2 October), Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti (2 October), Kamarajar Jayanti (2 October), Dussehra (2 October), Indian Air Force Day (8 October), National Post Day (10 October), Students’ Day / A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary (15 October), Dhanteras (18 October), Diwali (21 October) and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas / National Unity Day (31 October) which commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. These national observances in India are particularly relevant for UPSC Prelims, TNPSC Group 1 & 2, IB ACIO, IB Security Assistant, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk and SSC exams where Indian national days and important personalities are frequently asked in the General Knowledge and General Awareness section.
The United Nations recognises multiple international observances throughout October to promote global cooperation and peace. Key among them are World Habitat Day (6 October), World Mental Health Day (10 October), International Day of the Girl Child (11 October), International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (13 October), World Food Day (16 October), International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), UN Day (24 October) and World Cities Day (31 October). These observances recognised by the United Nations highlight pressing global challenges such as mental health awareness, sustainable urban development and poverty eradication, which are commonly covered in the UPSC Current Affairs and Essay Paper topics.
Gandhi Jayanti, observed on 2 October, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation (India). It is a national holiday in India and also marks the International Day of Non-Violence as declared by the United Nations (UN). This day is celebrated with prayers, tributes and community service activities across India, emphasising peace, non-violence and truth. Questions related to Gandhi Jayanti, its date and its UN recognition are common in UPSC, Banking and SSC exams under Static GK section.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally on 5 October 2025 under the auspices of UNESCO. The day honours the invaluable role of teachers in shaping education and society. In India, the Teachers’ Day is observed on 5 September for the remembrance of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s former President and a respected philosopher-teacher. For exam aspirants, understanding both World Teachers’ Day and India’s Teachers’ Day (5 September) is vital for General Awareness and Static GK questions, as both dates are often compared or asked together in tests like SSC CGL, IBPS and TNPSC.
World Habitat Day 2025 will be observed on 6 October 2025, with the theme ‘Urban Crisis Response’. This annual UN observance emphasises the right of every person to adequate shelter and sustainable urban living. It encourages global cities to develop resilience against challenges like climate change, urban poverty and inequality. This topic is important for UPSC, EPFO and Geography-based exams under themes of urbanisation and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
October 2025 is known for several health-related awareness days globally. Key dates include World Cerebral Palsy Day (6 October), World Mental Health Day (10 October), World Anaesthesia Day (16 October), World Osteoporosis Awareness Day (20 October), World Stroke Day (29 October) and World Menopause Day (18 October). Many of these days are recognised by WHO or other international health organisations and frequently appear in General Awareness and General Knowledge section in exams such as SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB Scale I, NIACL AO or LIC AAO.
24 October is globally observed as United Nations Day (UN Day) and World Development Information Day. It marks the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) or simply the UN in 1945. This day emphasises the importance of international cooperation, peacekeeping and sustainable development. For UPSC and TNPSC aspirants, it is one of the most frequently asked international observances, especially in topics related to International Relations and Global Governance.
31 October marks the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), in India which commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known as the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Patel played a crucial role in uniting over 500 princely states into one nation post-Independence for India. This National Unity Day promotes the spirit of national integrity and unity and holds immense importance for UPSC, TNPSC and SSC exams under the Modern Indian History and Important Days and Dates section.

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