Young Mother Appears for Maharashtra Class 12 Board Exam With Her 10‑Day‑Old Baby in Nanded

A Maharashtra student takes her Class 12 exam with her 10‑day‑old baby, prompting a mother‑friendly exam arrangement in Nanded.

Mumbai |20 February, 2026- In an inspiring demonstration of determination and resilience, a 21‑year‑old student from Nanded, Maharashtra, appeared for her Class 12 board examination carrying her 10‑day‑old baby with her, prompting school authorities to make special arrangements at the exam centre. The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, when she arrived to take her Political Science paper at the examination centre in People’s College, Nanded, without leaving her newborn behind. Just days earlier, on February 10, she had also appeared for her English paper — merely two days after childbirth -highlighting her commitment to her education despite challenging personal circumstances.

The student, identified as Shital Chandrakant Chitte, is enrolled in Shri Basweshwar College in Nanded. With her husband working during the day and no one at home to care for her infant, she chose not to skip her examinations, which are crucial for her academic future. Recognising her situation and dedication, the college authorities arranged a special ‘Matrusneh Kaksha’ (mother‑friendly room) within the exam centre, complete with a cradle for the baby so that the child could rest safely nearby while she wrote her paper. This compassionate response ensured that the exam environment remained uninterrupted for all students while offering targeted support for the young mother.

Officials lauded the initiative, with Nanded education officer Madhav Salgar appreciating the effort taken by the college to support the student. He also indicated that similar accommodations could be implemented at other centres if needed, ensuring that exceptional circumstances do not prevent students from pursuing their education. The Maharashtra Board’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams began on February 10, and local authorities reported that the process is proceeding smoothly at this centre, where 861 candidates registered to appear. Such support measures demonstrate evolving approaches in exam administration that accommodate diverse student needs without compromising academic standards.

Shital’s choice to continue her education so soon after childbirth has drawn widespread admiration, not just from educational administrators but also from families and peers. Married for two years, she emphasised that education is a priority in her life and that she felt supported by her family in striking a balance between personal responsibilities and academic goals. Her determination has sparked conversations about the importance of flexible and inclusive arrangements within educational institutions, especially for young parents who might otherwise have to defer or abandon their academic goals due to familial responsibilities.

The special arrangement created at the Nanded exam centre — a first in the state, according to Maharashtra Board Latur divisional president Sudhakar Telang — serves as a positive example of how exam centres can adapt to the real-life needs of students. As board examinations across Maharashtra continue, the experience in Nanded highlights how modest but thoughtful infrastructural changes can ensure no student is left behind due to life’s circumstances.

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