Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Flood-hit Bhutni Students Sit Exams After Homes Are Submerged
Flooding badly affected students living on Bhutni islet in Malda district.
Their houses were underwater, so many stayed in relief camps, on embankments or on rooftops.
Three schools were also being used as shelters for flood victims.
Even though classes were arranged online and offline, students found it hard to study.
Electricity was unavailable for a long time, making it difficult to charge phones and attend online lessons.
The administration moved their examination to Manikchak College.
It also provided transport, food and places to stay.
All 736 students took the examination, but many said they had prepared only a little.
Most of the floodwater had gone down by Monday, though some areas were still flooded.
A total of 736 higher secondary students from flood-hit Bhutni appeared for their first third-semester examination.
Students stayed in relief camps, on embankments or rooftops after their homes were submerged.
Power outages and flood-related uncertainty made online classes and exam preparation difficult.
The administration moved the examination centre to Manikchak College and arranged transport, food and accommodation.
About 90% of Bhutni’s floodwater had receded by Monday, although some low-lying areas remained waterlogged.
- Who
- The 736 higher secondary students from three schools on Bhutni, along with local administrators who supported them.
- What
- The students appeared for their first third-semester examination despite severe disruption caused by flooding.
- When
- The examination began on Monday, after Bhutni had been inundated for more than two weeks.
- Where
- The examination was held at Manikchak College after being moved from Bhutni in Malda district.
- Why
- The administration relocated and supported the students because flooding had submerged their homes, disrupted electricity and limited their preparation.
Students’ Concerns
Administrative Response
Exam preparation
Students’ Concerns
Students said flooding, uncertainty, power outages and limited access to phones left them with little time and opportunity to prepare.
Administrative Response
The administration arranged online and offline classes and said it made necessary preparations to help all students participate.
Examination access
Students’ Concerns
Many students had been displaced to relief camps, embankments or rooftops, making normal study and travel difficult.
Administrative Response
Officials moved the examination centre to Manikchak College and provided vehicles, accommodation and food for the examinees.
- Students appearing
- 736 higher secondary students
- Examination
- First third-semester examination
- Flood duration
- Three Bhutni panchayats remained inundated for more than two weeks
- Original location
- Bhutni
- Relocated centre
- Manikchak College
- Student support
- Accommodation, food and transportation were arranged
- Floodwater recession
- Around 90% of the water had receded by Monday