NU to hold summer exams only in morning shift from next year

Nagpur: Outrage among students over examinations in afternoons amid the heatwave has prompted the Nagpur University to conduct the summer examinations only in the morning shift from next year. Announcing the move on Friday, vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar said the university is planning to hold all summer examinations between 8am and 11am from the next academic session. The university also plans to nearly double the number of examination centres so that all students can be accommodated in a single shift, avoiding the need for afternoon examinations during peak summer.Kshirsagar made the announcement during a press conference organised to introduce newly appointed pro-vice-chancellor Akhilesh Peshwe at NU's Jamnalal Bajaj Administrative Building.Students, parents and student organisations had criticised the university's scheduling of examinations in the afternoon despite severe heatwave conditions prevailing across Nagpur and other districts. Students complained that travelling long distances in peak afternoon heat and then appearing for examinations in poorly ventilated halls without coolers or adequate facilities was causing immense physical stress for them. The VC admitted that some centres failed to ensure proper facilities for students even as the university provides funds to colleges for examination arrangements. She said the university issued circulars directing colleges to provide basic amenities, while flying squads were also sent for inspections after complaints were received from students.She said the administration was aware of the difficulties being faced by students and that the issue was discussed extensively in internal meetings. "All of us have children and relatives appearing for exams. We cannot ignore the difficulties caused by extreme weather conditions," said the VC.Kshirsagar 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 Vidarbha.The university administration said 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.The VC also said that efforts were being made to expedite declaration of examination results and improve quality checks in mark sheets and result processing. As per university officials, several summer examination results have already been declared, while work on pending results is underway.