I stepped into an exam hall after many years away, and I absolutely loved every anxious minute of it. From dried-up pens to dusty benches, my return as an adult was a whirlwind of panic, nostalgia, and pure joy. Three hours later, I tottered out with stiff limbs and an achy back, feeling every muscle in my body.
Reliving College Days at BIT College
Nothing makes you feel young again quite like taking an old-fashioned exam. Today, as I entered the huge BIT college, my designated exam centre, memories of those heady college years flooded back. I recalled hanging around nervously with friends just before entering the hall, only to panic over forgotten study topics and a missing watch. Those pens with ink that always seemed to dry up during serious writing sessions were a constant worry. This time, it was not just nostalgia; it was my reality, and I secretly relished every bit of it.
A Friendless Yet Tense Atmosphere
Of course, I was friendless this time around. This distance learning programme meant no one knew each other. But the air was thick with tension, mixed with the lovely aroma of coffee. Spotting a college canteen, I headed over for a cup to clear my slightly heavy head. My brain had not strained like this in a long while, and while it felt like fun and games, there was still an exam to tackle.
Pre-Exam Rituals and Humble Realisations
I checked the noticeboard for my room number, chuckling at notices like "Stray candidates must report to Room No 621." The hall was large, with standard benches and long tables. I found a bright spot, wiped down the dusty table, and got ready. Outside, a few candidates studied from fearsome textbooks. One lady had marked dozens of pages with posh post-its, but I felt heartened to see someone else holding a small study guide.
All through my student life, I had looked down on those who used guides. Now, they were my go-to, along with ChatGPT, which helped break down the guide's clumsy explanations. Studying at this stage of life has truly humbled me. My XII-grade daughter recently scolded me for using AI help on a project, calling it plagiarism and warning me against doing anything illegal.
The Exam Unfolds with Familiar Struggles
The exam started without delay. Pen No. 1 gave up within the first hour, but at least the questions made sense, and I thought I could answer them. An older man a few rows behind me asked the young examiner if he could go to the toilet. She replied, "Ummm... ok, come fast." The candidate next to me was restless, stretching and thinking deeply.
A few young men behind me, who looked like army recruits, whispered occasionally. Half an hour later, the examiner caught someone cheating. "Don't think I don't know what you are doing, sir. Please hand over that chit. I know that's why you went to the toilet." I expected an angry retort from the grown man, but there was only silence. Perhaps he was reliving his glory days of sneaking in chits for a cheap thrill.
Racing Against Time and Handwriting Woes
Time was running out, so I had no time to gawk, even though I was running out of things to write. I felt for the poor evaluator as my handwriting deteriorated from scrawl to scribble. Of course, I would be the one feeling poorly due to the marks I might receive. I tried to impress by underlining key phrases, a trick from aeons ago, though who knows what impresses evaluators now?
Post-Exam Rejuvenation and Reflections
I tottered out of the hall three hours later, limbs stiff and back achy. On the way out, a nice hot egg puff rejuvenated me. I sat on a ledge under a shady tree in the winter sun, surrounded by young people chattering in groups. A couple on the opposite ledge caught my eye; they were sharing hot cheese Maggi, and I decided that would be my treat after the next exam.
It felt good to be in the groove again. It felt good to feel young. As a postscript, my XII-grade daughter proofread this article. She approved but added a rejoinder: "Why are you wasting your time when you should be studying instead?" Being young certainly has its cons, I remembered now.
