Nashik exam center under scrutiny after student denied restroom during board exam

A complaint has been filed against an examination center in Nashik after a Class 10 student was allegedly made to continue her board exam despite a medical need, prompting action from authorities.

The incident occurred on March 13 at Abhinav Adarsh High School, where the student was appearing for her Science II paper. With about an hour remaining, she reportedly began her menstrual period and sought permission to use the restroom.

According to the complaint, the female supervisor denied the request, citing exam rules that restrict candidates from leaving before the paper concludes. After the exam, the student approached a staff member for a sanitary napkin but was told none were available.

The issue surfaced after the Ubuntu Foundation submitted a written complaint to the Nashik division of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. The board has since issued a show cause notice to the center, seeking an explanation.

Vinod Gaikwad from the Ubuntu Foundation said the organization's intent was not punitive but corrective.

“We do not want action for the sake of punishment, but such incidents should not happen again. The student may have faced both physical and mental distress, which could have affected her performance in the exam,” he said.

In its notice, the board stated that preventing a student from attending to natural needs during an examination reflects insensitivity and may violate candidate rights. It also noted that such situations can affect concentration and performance.

Officials pointed out that existing rules permit students to leave the hall for natural reasons if accompanied by authorized personnel such as a constable. The board indicated that these guidelines may not have been followed in this case.

The notice asks why disciplinary action should not be taken against the center director and the supervisor involved. Officials added that orientation sessions are conducted before exams to ensure staff are aware of procedures, and centers are expected to adhere to them.

The incident has raised concerns about how examination centers handle basic student needs and whether staff are adequately prepared to respond to such situations.