Students sweat it out as exam centres lack coolers amid 44°C heat

Nagpur: Even as Nagpur reeled under scorching temperatures crossing 44°C, students appearing for examinations conducted by Nagpur University and ICAI on Monday alleged that several examination centres failed to provide basic relief measures such as coolers and adequate drinking water, forcing many to endure sweltering conditions inside examination halls.Students said extreme heat severely impacted their concentration and performance during afternoon examinations. The complaints come despite directives issued last week by district collector instructing educational institutions to ensure cooling arrangements and safe drinking water for examinees, particularly during afternoon sessions. Nagpur University had also directed centres to install coolers and provide drinking water for students appearing in 2.30pm-5.30pm shift, when temperatures remain at their peak.A visit by TOI to several major examination centres across Civil Lines, Kamptee Road and Katol Road revealed that many institutions had failed to arrange coolers or proper ventilation. Students were visibly distressed. Even invigilators reportedly struggled to remain inside the halls continuously, stepping out periodically to escape the oppressive heat. Students, however, had no option but to continue writing their papers in the uncomfortable conditions.The harsh weather took a physical toll as well. An LLB student suffered dehydration during examination and required immediate assistance after centre staff rushed to arrange glucose and emergency care. The student later recovered and resumed the examination.Frustration among students also spilled over at an exam centre in Civil Lines, where law students reportedly engaged in a brief argument with officials over lack of coolers and drinking water arrangements.College authorities, however, pointed towards logistical and financial constraints. A principal said bottled water was made available for CA students, but coolers had not been supplied by the exam-conducting body. "Nagpur University has not provided additional funds for installing coolers. We are already facing acute water shortage and struggling to meet our girls hostel demand. How are we expected to arrange water for outside examinees too? It is the university's duty," the principal said.Nagpur University vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar said students facing such issues can approach university helplines and assured that action would be taken on complaints.Meanwhile, a govt college official claimed procedural delays were affecting arrangements. "Renting coolers requires approvals which may take another two days. Till then, we are holding all exams in ground-floor classrooms to minimise discomfort," the official said.