Nagpur: Full-fledged summer exams conducted by Nagpur University are set to begin from May 6. Amid scorching heat across Vidarbha, concerns have intensified as many exams would be scheduled in the second shift from 2.30pm. With temperatures already crossing 45°C in Nagpur and Wardha, parents and students are worried about the impact of extreme heat on health and performance. Also, many times, the centres are 8 to 10 km away or on the outskirts. In some cases, students living in periphery areas too have to travel long distance.NU exam officials said instructions have been given to exam centres to install coolers, provide drinking water and keep first aid or medical room for examinees. They said every year, the university ensures these arrangements are in place. However, students countered that most exams are over by April, but this time all exams are starting in May when the temperatures are above 42 degrees Celsius.Some students also said that many exam centres don’t install coolers and they have to write exams under the hot air of ceiling fans, which too are sometimes not working. In the past, students have reported many such issues during summer at the exam centres.NU officials said the volume of exams is as high as over 1,200 and it can’t shift all exams in morning shift. “Summer exams are already delayed. If afternoon exams are rescheduled in morning shift of 9.30am to 12.30pm, then it will consume lot of time,” they said.VC Manali Kshirsagar told TOI that the exam section is releasing helpline numbers for students and parents to flag 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, then students can post complaints on such WhatsApp number and action will be taken,” she said.
