Telangana Govt’s decision to provide 5 min grace time to appear for Intermediate exams could do more harm than good aver stakeholders

The Telangana government’s decision to allow a five-minute grace time for Intermediate Public Examinations has triggered a wider debate among educators, with many cautioning that the relaxation could unintentionally increase pressure on students instead of reducing it. While the move is aimed at helping students facing genuine delays, principals and lecturers fear it may encourage a casual attitude towards reporting time.

Nimmala Ramesh Reddy, Principal of Narayana College, Vanasthalipuram, said the biggest concern is that students may start taking the exam timing for granted. He said some students could treat 9.05 am as a lenient deadline and arrive two or three minutes late, which may lead to panic and confusion at the centre. According to him, such a mind-set can cause more harm than good, as it builds a sense of leniency among students. He also pointed out that late arrivals disturb students who are already settled in the exam hall, affecting the overall atmosphere. Reddy added that colleges have therefore advised students to reach the exam centre at least one hour early. He stressed that subjects like Mathematics and other long-answer papers require pre-planning, and coming early helps students mentally organise their exam strategy without the pressure of rushing or distractions.

Teachers observe that even minor disturbances inside the exam hall can have a significant impact. Students entering at the last minute often take time to settle down, arrange answer booklets and regain composure, which distracts others who have already started writing. Such interruptions are especially harmful during the crucial opening minutes of an examination. Students themselves are cautious about relying on the grace period. M. Arun, an Intermediate student, said that while students are relieved that a buffer has been provided, it should only be used as a safety measure in case of traffic jams or unforeseen circumstances. He said principals have guided students to reach the centre at least an hour early, which he feels is the best approach to enter the exam hall calmly and without exam stress.

Faculty members have also highlighted the psychological impact of aiming to arrive just on time. A senior lecturer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that reaching the exam centre at the last permitted minute can increase anxiety and exam pressure. He added that students may lose control over time management and end up wasting valuable writing time, which can affect their overall performance. Educationists emphasise that the five-minute grace time should be treated strictly as an emergency provision and not as an extension of reporting time. They underline that discipline and early arrival remain crucial during high-stakes public examinations and warn that casual dependence on the grace period could undermine students’ preparation and confidence.

“Students could treat 9.05 am as a lenient deadline and arrive two or three minutes late, which may lead to panic and confusion at the centre.” 

Nimmala Ramesh Reddy Principal of Narayana College, Vanasthalipuram

“If a student reaches late for an examination, it is he or she who is going to lose. Extending a grace period does not make sense. A person who is irresponsible will remain so.” 

SVN Varalaxmi Retired teacher