[1. Before question papers are distributed. 2. After the examination begins. 3. When it is over. 4. Its memory.]
Just before the bell rings for the question papers and answer-scripts to be distributed, the scene inside the examination hall is one of noise and restlessness. Most candidates are busy finding their seats. Here and there a few may be seen feverishly turning over the pages of well-thumbed books ; others form groups to discuss all sorts of possible answer to all manner of possible questions. A handful are confident about their preparation, and they draw around them their less fortunate brethren who seek their advice and guidance.
The fateful bell rings ; slowly the noise subsides ; candidates take their seats. As the scripts are being distributed they deposit their books and papers with the invigilators, and get ready. In a minute they are busy writing their roll number and other require-ments of an answer script. Then the question papers are handed out and all seriously set about this work. Each examinee grabs his paper and runs his eyes through it, as though his whole destiny depended upon its being the right thing. Here and there faces light up with happy smiles ; it is clear that their expectations have been fulfilled, there being some common questions. Many look up at the ceiling or through the windows at the sky, vague and puzzled, as though searching their minds for things that seem to have faded away all. Some are in a state of nervous bewilderment and feverishly call for water to cool their jabbed brain. Perhaps a sympathetic invigilator tell a cheering word of encouragement and wearily they apply themselves to their answers trusting that good luck will help their memory. The lucky ones are already deeply occupied in writing out the answers that they had so carefully prepared ; others also follow their example though with less assurance. And very soon and for a long time nothing is heard except the rustling of papers and the scratching of pens, and measured tread of the invigilators walking up and down. This continues for an hour or so, and then the atmosphere somewhat relaxes. One calls for a glass of water ; that seems to be infectious and the waterman has to be very busy for a time. If the paper is lengthy, relaxation is brief ; if otherwise, words of wit and humour might be dropped here and there and cause mild ripples of laughter.
And thus the three hours draw to a close. Some submit their scripts to the invigilator before the time is up and walk out with the consciousness of a day's work done. Many have finished writing all that they know and are idly turning over the pages to revise. From time to time the invigilators sound warning of the passing time and candidates get ready to conclude. And then the final bell rings; papers are taken away ; most give up their scripts as soon as the invigilator approaches ; some demand extra time and an argument follows. But the thing has to end soon. All the candidates go out of the hall, laughing and chatting and discussing the prospects of success or failure in the light of the day's performance.
In actual experience an examination hall wears a forbidding look in retrospect, perhaps one might look back to the experience not without some amusement. How serious it was while it lasted ; how funny when it was over.
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