Nagpur: Outrage among students over examinations conducted in the afternoons amid a severe heatwave has prompted Nagpur University to shift its summer examinations to the morning shift starting from the next academic year. Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar announced on Friday that the university plans to hold all summer examinations between 8am and 11am from the next academic session. Additionally, the university aims to nearly double the number of examination centres to accommodate all students in a single shift, thereby eliminating the need for afternoon examinations during peak summer.
Decision Announced at Press Conference
Kshirsagar made the announcement during a press conference organized to introduce the newly appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor Akhilesh Peshwe at Nagpur University's Jamnalal Bajaj Administrative Building. The decision comes after widespread criticism from students, parents, and student organizations regarding the scheduling of examinations in the afternoon despite extreme heatwave conditions prevailing across Nagpur and other districts.
Student Complaints and University Response
Students complained that traveling long distances in the peak afternoon heat and then appearing for examinations in poorly ventilated halls without coolers or adequate facilities was causing immense physical stress. The Vice-Chancellor admitted that some centres failed to ensure proper facilities for students, even though the university provides funds to colleges for examination arrangements. She stated that the university issued circulars directing colleges to provide basic amenities, and flying squads were sent for inspections after receiving complaints from students.
Kshirsagar emphasized that the administration was aware of the difficulties faced by students and that the issue was extensively discussed in internal meetings. "All of us have children and relatives appearing for exams. We cannot ignore the difficulties caused by extreme weather conditions," she said.
Online Campaign Highlights Disparity
The Vice-Chancellor also pointed to the growing online campaign by students comparing summer and winter examination schedules. Several students shared reels and posts questioning why winter examinations were conducted in the morning while summer examinations continued in the afternoon, despite temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in the Vidarbha region.
Permanent Mechanism and Future Plans
The university administration stated that it is now preparing a permanent mechanism to avoid recurrence of such problems. Officials are considering increasing examination infrastructure and improving coordination with colleges to ensure better seating, cooling arrangements, and basic amenities at centres.
Kshirsagar also mentioned that efforts are being made to expedite the declaration of examination results and improve quality checks in mark sheets and result processing. According to university officials, several summer examination results have already been declared, while work on pending results is underway.
