Nagpur: As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) prepares to conduct its second board examination for Class 10 students starting May 15, with papers scheduled from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, concerns are mounting over how students in Vidarbha will cope with the peak summer heat. While these exams are optional for students, teachers and school staff are required to report for duty regardless of the number of registered candidates.
Extreme Heat Conditions
In May, Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha typically experience temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. The timing of the exams has raised particular alarm, as some schools outside city limits face frequent power outages, leaving students and staff in classrooms without functioning fans. Students who spoke to TOI on condition of anonymity expressed strong opposition to the exam schedule. Many highlighted that extreme heat significantly impairs their ability to write effectively, causes physical discomfort, and has even led to fainting episodes during past examinations.
Student and Parent Concerns
One student remarked that conducting papers during a heatwave is unfair, as it adds physical stress on top of the academic pressure already associated with board examinations. The short gap between the March exams and the May papers further disrupts study patterns and vacation schedules. Parents, however, noted that the exam could be manageable if schools ensure adequate facilities, including uninterrupted electricity with generators or inverters as backup, sufficient drinking water, proper ventilation, and trained nurses or medical support on standby. A parent expressed the view that while students should learn to adapt to adverse conditions as part of building resilience, schools must guarantee a safe environment.
Exam Details and Options
The CBSE second board examination is an optional facility for Class 10 students who have already passed the main examination but wish to improve their performance in up to three subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. Students in the compartment category or those attempting a third-chance compartment may also appear. The exam follows the same syllabus as the main examination. Students who took Mathematics Standard in the main exam can switch to Mathematics Basic in the second exam, and vice versa. If a student pays the fee but does not appear, the main examination result is treated as final.
