Waiting Outside the Examination Hall — Descriptive Essay

Examinations are such a waste of time and energy—How can one’s labour of months be tested in just three hours? These thoughts crossed my mind, as I weaved my bicycle through the maze of cars and buses, standing outside the school. Taking note of my mother’s advice, I had reached an hour before the examination was to begin. I glossed over the notice board, noting the examination hall allotted to me. While doing so, I was nearly trampled upon by some overzealous students, crowding over me.

“Hi Amit,” I waved to my friend standing in the lobby. He acknowledged my greeting with a sombre nod, and immediately engrossed himself in a book, making a last ditch effort to catch up on something important. Disheartened, I looked around to find some of my other studious friends equally engrossed in books, which they had brought along. A little away from me was a group of students discussing some points, while others around them stood uneasily, shuffling their feet nervously. As more students trickled in, the murmurs became louder and louder. There was some back thumping and yelling, as friends wished each other best of luck. The bonhomie however vanished into thin air, as the examination hall doors opened at 9.45 AM.

“Please deposit your books, copies, mobile and any other material in the counter outside the examination hall, and show your admit card before entering the hall,” was the curt instruction of the elderly invigilator. A hurried shuffle ensued, as students rushed towards the counter to deposit their books and mobiles.

Standing in the queue waiting my turn to enter the hall, a sudden fear gripped me, making my throat dry. I felt uneasy. Walking to my seat in the hall, I said a short prayer, which restored some confidence.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense and full of suspense. The only sound was the terse instructions of the invigilators, the shuffling of answer sheets, and the steady humming of ceiling fans. At sharp 10 AM the bell tolled and the invigilators set about distributing the question paper.

My hands trembled as I read the question paper. For a moment my mind went completely blank. I nervously looked around to find others in the same boat. Reassuring myself, I read the questions once again. Soon I was able to recollect all that I had learnt, over the past few months. I began jotting it down vigorously, lest I forget it again. There was pin drop silence, except for the scribbling of pen on paper, as I began writing answers, which would determine my future—for this is what education is all about.