Over 50 private reading rooms and study spaces have opened in Manipur to assist students preparing for exams.
IMPHAL — Many students and job aspirants in Manipur have been increasingly using private reading rooms and study spaces, particularly following the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023.
Reading rooms and co-working study spaces have existed as a business model in several parts of India for years, particularly in cities with large numbers of students preparing for competitive examinations. In Manipur, however, operators and users say demand for such facilities has increased in recent years.
These facilities, located in different localities, operate for extended hours and provide Wi-Fi, power backup and study spaces for students preparing for competitive examinations and other job recruitment tests.
The study halls are also used by students from large families or economically disadvantaged households where studying at home may be difficult because of limited space or frequent interruptions.
The demand for such facilities increased after the Covid-19 pandemic, when online classes and work-from-home arrangements became common. The disruption caused by the conflict in 2023 further affected academic routines, leading more students and job aspirants to seek alternative study spaces.
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According to operators, around 50 private reading and study halls and community libraries are currently functioning in Manipur, with most located in Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts.
Most facilities charge between INR 700 and INR 1,200 per month. They generally provide seating areas, Wi-Fi, uninterrupted power supply, washrooms, parking facilities and, in some cases, attached cafés or refreshment areas.
Some study halls also organise activities such as writing workshops and poetry readings.
“The emergence of such study rooms is already producing concrete effects. Students and job aspirants are more focused and self-controlled while their parents and guardians are more assured that their wards are in a safe and positive space,” said a regular visitor at one of the reading halls in Imphal.
L Ramachandra, an engineering graduate from Sagolband preparing for the Manipur Civil Services Examination, said he regularly studies at Oasis, a reading and co-working space in Imphal.
Like Ramachandra, many candidates preparing for competitive examinations use similar facilities in Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts, citing unsuitable study conditions at home.
“Some years ago, there were just a few places for reading spaces in Imphal. Even I was running from place to place to get a seat at one such few facilities, as there was limited seats at that point in time,” says Naorem Ramayi, a software developer who now runs a reading hall called ‘The Intellect Space” at Uripok.
Sonny Chungkham, who is preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination and runs Oasis, a reading and co-working space at Kwakeithel in the Imphal West district, said the number of candidates from Manipur clearing the UPSC examination has increased in recent years and attributed that to the possible growth of study spaces and the availability of civil services coaching in the state. However, he said there are no official statistics to establish a direct connection.
"Initially I was doing my usual consultation service. But after seeing the new eco-system developed within such study space circles, I myself am also now preparing for the UPSC," Sonny, who holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Governance, said.
Operators of Study Lounge, a reading hall established in September 2022 in the Imphal East district with a seating capacity of 99, said five users of the facility cleared the Manipur Civil Services Examination this year while others qualified in Staff Selection Commission and banking recruitment examinations.