West Bengal Board Takes Strict Action Against Exam Malpractice
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has enforced stringent measures during the ongoing Madhyamik (Class 10) examinations, resulting in the debarment of 19 candidates for possessing mobile phones inside examination halls. This crackdown highlights the board's zero-tolerance policy towards unfair means.
Details of the Violations and Disciplinary Actions
On Friday, February 7, 2026, 13 candidates were caught with mobile phones, leading to immediate cancellation of their examination papers. The geographical distribution of these cases reveals a concerning pattern:
- Four candidates each from Kolkata and Kalimpong districts
- Two candidates from Cooch Behar district
- One candidate each from Jalpaiguri, Malda, and East Burdwan districts
A WBBSE official noted that records indicate multiple candidates from the same schools being caught at particular examination venues, suggesting possible systemic issues at certain institutions.
Specific Examination Centre Incidents
The board provided detailed information about where violations occurred:
- Two candidates were caught at Talliguri High School in Cooch Behar
- Four candidates were apprehended at Sanghamitra Vidyalaya in Kolkata
- Four candidates were discovered at Bagrakote High School in Kalimpong
- One candidate each at Katwa Durgadasi Chaudhurani Girls' High School (East Burdwan), Duramari CK High School (Jalpaiguri), and Chanchal Rani Dakshayani Girls' High School (Malda)
These Friday incidents brought the total number of debarred candidates to 19, following earlier violations on February 2 and 3 when six additional candidates were caught with mobile phones during First and Second Language papers respectively.
Additional Disciplinary Measures
In a related incident, the WBBSE suspended eight teachers and non-teaching staff, including the headmaster, of Ajhapur High School in East Burdwan. This action followed an alleged attack on the officer-in-charge of the Madhyamik examination centre over a dispute regarding a mobile phone found in the possession of a non-teaching staff member inside the examination centre.
Strict Examination Hall Regulations
The West Bengal Board has implemented comprehensive restrictions on items allowed in examination halls:
- Permitted items only: Admit cards, registration certificates, pens, and transparent clipboards
- Complete ban on electronic devices: Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and earbuds are strictly prohibited
- Consequences for violations: Any candidate found with prohibited devices will have their device seized and examination cancelled
- Invigilator restrictions: Even examination supervisors are barred from carrying electronic devices inside exam halls
- Cloakroom facilities: Designated areas outside examination halls are available for safekeeping of bags and personal belongings
Madhyamik Examination Statistics
This year's Madhyamik examination sees significant participation across West Bengal:
- Total candidates: 9,71,340 (compared to 9,69,425 last year)
- Gender distribution: 4,26,733 boys, 5,44,606 girls, and one transgender person
- Examination centres: 2,682 total centres across the state (945 main centres and 1,737 sub-centres)
The West Bengal Board's decisive actions underscore their commitment to maintaining examination integrity and fairness for all candidates participating in this crucial academic milestone.
