Not just students, teachers too face heat at CBSE Class 10 optional boards

Nagpur: Students appearing for the optional second board examination of CBSE Class 10 battled blistering heat conditions across Vidarbha on Thursday. Teachers and school staff said the ongoing heatwave made exam duty exhausting, especially during afternoon hours.While only a limited number of students opted for the second board examination, schools designated as centres remained fully operational, requiring teachers and support staff to stay on campus despite soaring temperatures. Several parts of Vidarbha have recorded temperatures above 45 Degrees Celsius over the past few days.Teachers told TOI that the weather conditions became particularly unbearable after the examination hours, when staff have to complete necessary formalities. "One advantage for students is that the second board exam is optional, and many have chosen not to appear. But for teachers, attendance is compulsory if the school has been assigned as a centre," a teacher said. "Even if only a few students appear, we have to report to school and remain present throughout the process."Another teacher said afternoon conditions inside school campuses became uncomfortable due to the intense dry heat. "Some centres have classrooms and halls that become extremely hot by noon. Teachers on duty have to continue till all formalities are completed," the teacher added.School authorities said examination arrangements were made as per CBSE guidelines, with drinking water and basic facilities kept ready for students and staff. However, teachers said prolonged outdoor movement between examination blocks, strong sunlight and rising temperatures added to fatigue.Vidarbha routinely records some of Maharashtra's highest summer temperatures during May, with Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha and nearby districts witnessing severe heat conditions almost every year. The second board examination window this year coincided with one of the region's hottest periods.