Parents Concerned: Revised Maharashtra school exam schedule sparks worries over heat, health, and holiday disruptions | Representational Image
Mumbai: Parents across Maharashtra have expressed concerns over the revised school timetable implemented by the state government for the current academic year. The revised schedule has not only disrupted pre-planned family vacations but has also raised significant concerns about student health and transportation difficulties amid rising temperatures.
This year, the state government decided to conduct a common examination timetable for both the Annual Examinations and the Progression Assessment Test (PAT), scheduled from 8 to 25 April. Traditionally, these examinations would conclude by 11 April.
One parent shared her frustration explaining “We had made arrangements to visit my sister abroad. Tickets were already booked and our son was eagerly looking forward to the trip. This change has been sudden and has caused a lot of stress for our family, financially and emotionally.”
In response to the growing discontent, the state education department clarified that the revised common timetable was introduced to ensure uniformity in exam schedules across all schools in the state. However, education experts and parents argue that the move has overlooked practical challenges faced by students and families.
Mahendra Ganpule, former president of the Maharashtra headmasters association, commented, “Examinations typically conclude in the first half of April. Extending them to the end of the month exposes students to peak summer conditions, especially in regions already experiencing extreme heat.”
Similar views were echoed by Nitin Dalivi, president of the Mumbai parents and students association, who questioned, “Who will take responsibility if students fall ill due to the severe heat? These decisions should be taken with greater consideration of children’s well-being.”
In response, the state recently issued a circular mandating all schools to conduct only morning shifts to reduce heat exposure. According to the new timings, primary schools now operate from 7:00 am to 11:15 am, and secondary schools from 7:00 am to 11:45 am.
Despite this adjustment, parents say the new schedule has created logistical problems, particularly for working families. Another parent, whose daughter is in Class 4, said, “Both my husband and I work full-time. These early school hours have made it very difficult to manage our daughter’s drop-off and pick-up without outside help.”
As the exams continue under the revised schedule, parents and educators are urging the government to engage more closely with all stakeholders and consider long-term solutions that prioritise both academic consistency and student welfare.
