Postponed UP Board Exams in Prayagraj: MahaKumbh Festival Causes Date Shifts
Feb, 27 2025
Board Exams Rescheduled Amid MahaKumbh Festivities
The bustling city of Prayagraj finds itself in the throes of excitement and logistical challenges as it hosts the MahaKumbh 2025, a significant religious gathering that draws millions of devotees. As a result, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has been compelled to make a tough decision—postponing the board exams scheduled for February 24, 2025. The exams for Class 10 and 12, originally planned for this date, will be held on March 9, 2025.
This change, spearheaded by UP Minister of State for Secondary Education, Gulab Devi, comes in response to mounting concerns about safety and traffic chaos that accompany the massive influx of people during the MahaKumbh festival. With an estimated 54.37 lakh students participating statewide, moving the exams helps ensure that students can attend their exams without unnecessary stress and complications.
Impacted Examination Papers and Timings
The rescheduling affects certain key subjects for both classes. For Class 10 students in Prayagraj, the Hindi and Healthcare exams are postponed. Meanwhile, Class 12 students will see a delay for their Military Science and Hindi exams. Despite the change in dates, the original shift timings are preserved. Thus, exams will continue to be conducted in two shifts: 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
February 26, 2025, marks an especially significant day in the MahaKumbh as it coincides with Mahashivratri, an important festival that further draws crowds. This overlap poses logistical headaches, prompting Prayagraj authorities to request the date shift. Besides Prayagraj, other districts like Ayodhya and Varanasi are also navigating similar challenges. However, these regions have opted to manage the situation by creating alternative routes, ensuring students can reach their examination centers without facing undue delays.
The coordination between local authorities and the UPMSP illustrates a proactive approach to handling the situation, balancing the needs of religious pilgrims and educational demands. This solution reflects a commitment to student welfare and the ability of educational bodies to adapt to unique challenges.