Board exams play spoilsport this Holi

Holi, the festival of colours and fun, is just a handful of days away. At a time when many in the city are busy planning their celebrations, class X students are memorizing facts and figures; they will be writing their Science paper on March 18, the day after Holi.

Every year, SSC and HSC examinations are conducted in February and March, and Holi falls during the same period. Vaishali Patil, a class X student, rues, "The exam fear has ruined my celebrations. She added, "My brother has his last exam on March 12 and he will be free and relieved. I would be stuck."

While SSC examinations will conclude on March 27, all important, higher secondary certificate (HSC) examinations, have been completed. "My kids are giving their SSC and HSC exams this year, respectively. How can I ask one of them to not play Holi," said Vandana Surve, a parent.

There are many parents who have a similar dilemma. "Everyone wants to have fun during Holi. However, children end up hurting themselves, too, sometimes," said another parent, adding, "Since my child has to write a paper the next day, I will not allow them to play holi."

Ankush Sharma, another student said, "I thought we would be spared this time and were hoping for a good time. Now I have to study and do away with the celebrations."

HSC students, who will have to appear for their IT paper on March 28, are equally disturbed with the schedule. "We are relieved as we have only one more paper to go," said Swati Mohite, an HSC student.

A board official says, "The schedule is prepared keeping all aspects in mind. Since Holi is a one-day festival, it will hardly impact the rhythm of the students." He added, "This year, Holi falls on Monday, so they will get a two-day holiday.