Nagpur University is set to commence its full-fledged summer examinations from May 6, raising concerns among students and parents due to the intense heatwave sweeping across Vidarbha. With temperatures already crossing 45 degrees Celsius in Nagpur and Wardha, many exams scheduled in the second shift starting at 2:30 pm have sparked worries about the impact on health and academic performance.
Long Distances and Inadequate Facilities
Students have expressed apprehension about travelling long distances to exam centres, often located 8 to 10 kilometres away or on the outskirts. Those living in peripheral areas also face similar challenges. In response, Nagpur University (NU) exam officials stated that instructions have been issued to all exam centres to install coolers, provide drinking water, and maintain first aid or medical rooms for examinees. Officials emphasised that these arrangements are ensured every year.
However, students countered that most exams usually conclude by April, but this year all exams are starting in May when temperatures exceed 42 degrees Celsius. Some students reported that many exam centres do not install coolers, forcing them to write exams under hot ceiling fans, which are sometimes non-functional. In past years, students have frequently raised such issues during summer examinations.
University's Response and Helpline
NU officials acknowledged the volume of exams, exceeding 1,200, making it impossible to shift all exams to the morning shift. They explained, "Summer exams are already delayed. If afternoon exams are rescheduled to the morning shift from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, it will consume a lot of time."
Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar informed that the exam section is releasing helpline numbers for students and parents to report inadequate facilities at exam centres. "It may not be possible to send a flying squad to each exam centre. In case any exam centre doesn't provide required facilities, students can post complaints on the WhatsApp number, and action will be taken," she said.
