Candidates sitting for the Plus Two examinations, which began on Thursday, were allowed to enter the examination halls in many parts of The Nilgiris with open-type slippers and sandals.
The exemption follows a representation made last month by a group of parents led by Ooty-based businessman M. Vijayachand to the District Collector P. Sankar.
They pointed out that due to the peculiar weather conditions in the hill station it would be very difficult for the students to sit in the halls for over three hours without footwear.
It would aggravate illnesses like cough and cold and also affect concentration.
Stating that the representation, which had been forwarded to the education authorities, had been considered favourably, Mr. Vijaychand told The Hindu that he had thanked Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam and others concerned for the gesture.
Students can go into the halls with such footwear in Ooty, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Kundah taluks of The Nilgiris, Yercaud in Salem district, Kollimalai in Namakkal district, and Kodaikanal in Dindigul district.
