Just before the bell rings for the question papers and
answer-scripts to be distributed, the scene inside the examination hall is one
of noise and restlessness. Most candidates are busy finding their seats. Here
and there a few may be seen feverishly turning over the pages of well-thumbed
books ; others form groups to discuss all sorts of possible answer to all
manner of possible questions. A handful are confident about their preparation,
and they draw around them their less fortunate brethren who seek their advice
and guidance.
The fateful bell rings ; slowly the noise subsides ;
candidates take their seats. As the scripts are being distributed they deposit
their books and papers with the invigilators, and get ready. In a minute they
are busy writing their roll number and other require-ments of an answer script.
Then the question papers are handed out and all seriously set about this work.
Each examinee grabs his paper and runs his eyes through it, as though his whole
destiny depended upon its being the right thing. Here and there faces light up
with happy smiles ; it is clear that their expectations have been fulfilled,
there being some common questions. Many look up at the ceiling or through the
windows at the sky, vague and puzzled, as though searching their minds for
things that seem to have faded away all. Some are in a state of nervous
bewilderment and feverishly call for water to cool their jabbed brain. Perhaps
a sympathetic invigilator tell a cheering word of encouragement and wearily
they apply themselves to their answers trusting that good luck will help their
memory. The lucky ones are already deeply occupied in writing out the answers
that they had so carefully prepared ; others also follow their example though
with less assurance. And very soon and for a long time nothing is heard except the
rustling of papers and the scratching of pens, and measured tread of the
invigilators walking up and down. This continues for an hour or so, and then
the atmosphere somewhat relaxes. One calls for a glass of water ; that seems to
be infectious and the waterman has to be very busy for a time. If the paper is
lengthy, relaxation is brief ; if otherwise, words of wit and humour might be
dropped here and there and cause mild ripples of laughter.
And thus the three hours draw to a close. Some submit their
scripts to the invigilator before the time is up and walk out with the
consciousness of a day's work done. Many have finished writing all that they
know and are idly turning over the pages to revise. From time to time the
invigilators sound warning of the passing time and candidates get ready to
conclude. And then the final bell rings; papers are taken away ; most give up
their scripts as soon as the invigilator approaches ; some demand extra time
and an argument follows. But the thing has to end soon. All the candidates go
out of the hall, laughing and chatting and discussing the prospects of success
or failure in the light of the day's performance.
In actual experience an examination hall wears a forbidding
look in retrospect, perhaps one might look back to the experience not without
some amusement. How serious it was while it lasted ; how funny when it was
over.
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