Students leave school premises after taking examination. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Sure it’s fun time but our hard-pressed students are in no mood to party. They say they are saving time, as if it were the green cover or the ozone layer.

Exams for both Class X and Class XII clashed with Holi and the World Cup schedule. If that wasn't frustrating enough, now the students have a series of competitive exams lined up and as expected, they are busy deciphering the intricacies of science and technology. The World Cup final was the only break the studious students treated themselves to, and after night-long celebrations, they are back to books, ready to take on the next challenge.

Mohammad Sohaib Karim of St Michael's High School has just taken his Class XII examination and is now preparing for the competitive exams, including the IIT-JEE. Karim says, “I got just a day-long break. On March 30, I took my last paper and the next day, I rested a little. I was back to studies on April 1. It was only on April 2 that I managed to take a World Cup break. After the victory celebrations, I returned to my normal routine of preparations and revision.” Karim says he has been preparing for both Class XII exams and competitions for the past two years but now is the time which has to be utilised to the fullest. Aiming to become a software engineer, Karim draws inspiration from his parents. They lay stress on studies, especially his mother, who keeps telling him he is the best and he just has to prove that by working hard.

But doesn't Karim know that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?

Aaquib Jawed of Patna Muslim High School doesn't agree with the concept of relaxation after difficult examination. Jawed took his Class XII (CBSE) examination recently. He looks less tense than Karim as he says he started rigorous preparations for both for Class XII exams and competitions two years ago. “It has eased my tension and fears related to exams to a great extent. Since continuity is to be maintained, therefore I cannot afford to stop studying. One cannot crack a competitive exam by preparing for just 10 days. My hard word work over the past two years has given me immense confidence,” says Jawed. He sat for his last paper on March 28 and began preparations for competitions from April 3.

Arunim Anand of St Michael's High School took this Class XII exam this year. He too is preparing for competitions. Anand says, “Now is the time when we cannot ignore the competitive exams at all. We have to work harder.”

Work harder? But didn't they just finish preparations for one of the toughest exams of their lives? Well, it seems, the going gets tougher as one leaves his or her school. Maybe it's the best time for those who still have a few more years to go on the school campus.

Priti Sinha of Patna Central School just took her board (Class X) exams. But she too is planning to continue with her studies since she'll be appearing for engineering-related exams two years later. Priti's tuition classes are beginning on April 9.

This trend is frightening. Don't these students have any time for recreation, sports, travelling and amusement?

Priti says study is not all that she is focussing on. She is also planning to join dance classes. “I love Kathakali and the facial expressions used in this dance form. In the next few months, I plan to learn Kathakali too.” Priti is enjoying with family and friends. “I have already been to Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Next trip will be to Mumbai and Gujarat. My friends and I have planned a get-together next week.”

Yash Prakash, Class X student from Gyan Niketan, is planning to learn swimming. He has already got enrolled for swimming classes from April 5 to June 5. Not only this, Prakash is also going to Delhi to his aunt’s (father's sister) place to spend some time with his cousins. “Adventure Island in Palam and Fun & Food and Ambience Mall in Gurgaon are the places I plan to visit during my Delhi stay,” says Prakash.

Thank God, at least someone believes in working hard and partying harder.

Nishant Raj, Class X student from Patna Central School, will not be joining Priti's party though. He too is going to Delhi and has his schedule worked out already. “My exams ended on April 6 and by April 10, I will be in Delhi. FIIT-JEE is what I will join in Delhi in order to prepare for the engineering exams. Studies are what I have to concentrate on. I cannot afford to waste time,” he said.

Well, is it the time to disco? Not quite.

SMITA KUMAR