BETTIAH, Feb. 22 -- With the examinees of the ongoing matriculation examination being engrossed in lessons and solving practice papers, East Champaran's Seraj Alam and Pravez are no exception.

Nor is Prashant Kumar, who is burning the midnight oil for his two Intermediate papers in Uttar Pradesh. But, the most enchanting part is the setting in which they are studying - a jail cell.

Facing criminal charges, the three undertrials are lodged in Motihari Central Jail. Amid high walls and iron gates, they are preparing to write their matriculation and Intermediate examinations, hoping to graduate into a new world through a new phase of life through education.

Speaking to Hindustan Times over phone from Motihari, Sanjay Kumar, deputy superin...