Education – New Mother Takes Board Exam With Infant in Nanded
Education – A 21-year-old woman in Maharashtra’s Nanded city has drawn attention for her resolve to continue her studies, appearing for her Class 12 board examination while carrying her 10-day-old baby. Her determination led local authorities to arrange a special facility at the examination centre to ensure she could write her paper without difficulty.
Shital Chandrakant Chitte reached the exam centre on Wednesday to sit for her Political Science paper under the Maharashtra State Board’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination. With no one at home to care for her newborn during the day, she brought the child along.
Special Room Set Up at Examination Centre
Recognising her situation, officials at People’s College in Nanded made immediate arrangements to support her. A separate room, referred to as a mother-friendly space, was prepared so she could take the examination while her baby rested nearby. A cradle was placed inside the room, allowing the infant to sleep comfortably as Chitte completed her paper.
College authorities said the move was aimed at ensuring that motherhood did not become a barrier to education. The quiet space allowed her to focus on her answers while also attending to her child when necessary.
Appeared for Earlier Paper Days After Delivery
This was not the first time she had appeared for an exam shortly after childbirth. Just two days after delivering her baby, Chitte had taken the English paper on February 10. On that occasion, she was accompanied by her sister for assistance.
Speaking about her decision, Chitte explained that missing the Class 12 examination was not an option for her. She described the HSC examination as a crucial milestone that would shape her academic and professional future. Married for two years and currently studying at Shri Basweshwar College in Nanded, she said her family encouraged her to continue her education despite the challenges.
Her husband works during the day, leaving her without support at home to care for the newborn. As a result, bringing the baby to the examination centre was the only practical solution.
Education Officials Applaud the Initiative
Local education authorities praised both the student’s commitment and the college’s swift response. Nanded education officer Madhav Salgar commended the institution for making thoughtful arrangements during the examination process.
He indicated that similar provisions could be introduced at other centres in the future to assist students facing comparable circumstances. According to him, such steps would help create an inclusive environment and encourage young women to pursue education even after marriage or motherhood.
Sudhakar Telang, divisional president of the Maharashtra board’s Latur division, described the arrangement as an unprecedented step within the state. He noted that this was the first known instance of a dedicated mother-friendly room being set up during board examinations in Maharashtra.
Smooth Conduct of Ongoing HSC Exams
The Maharashtra Board’s HSC examinations began on February 10 and are being conducted across multiple centres in the state. At the Nanded centre where Chitte appeared, 861 candidates are registered for the examination session. Officials reported that the process has been proceeding smoothly.
The incident has highlighted the importance of flexible arrangements within the education system, especially during critical examinations. While board exams are known for their strict regulations and structured environment, this case demonstrates how practical adjustments can be made without disrupting the overall process.
For Chitte, the experience reflects both personal determination and institutional support. By choosing to sit for her examination despite recent childbirth, she has underscored the value of education in shaping future opportunities. At the same time, the response from authorities signals a broader commitment to ensuring that students are not forced to choose between family responsibilities and academic goals.