Madhyamik 2026 Examinations Kick Off in West Bengal with Massive Student Participation
The much-anticipated Madhyamik 2026 examinations for Class 10 students commenced across West Bengal on Monday, marking the beginning of an important academic milestone for nearly a million young learners. The examinations will continue until February 12, with extensive arrangements in place to ensure smooth conduct.
Massive Student Turnout and Gender Distribution
According to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), approximately 9,71,340 candidates are appearing for the examinations this year. These students are distributed across 2,682 examination centers throughout the state. The gender breakdown reveals 5,44,606 female candidates, 4,26,733 male candidates, and one transgender candidate registered for the crucial board examinations.
Enhanced Security and Support Measures
With the Assembly elections approaching in a few months and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, police deployment has been significantly increased across the state. Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratik Sarkar personally visited several examination centers to oversee arrangements.
"We will ensure that all candidates can give the examinations smoothly," Commissioner Sarkar assured the media. "We have established a dedicated helpline so that if any student faces any problem, we take full responsibility to ensure they reach the examination hall without difficulty."
The Kolkata Police has issued emergency helpline number 9432610039 for students requiring assistance during the examination period.
Special Transportation Arrangements
The West Bengal State Transport Department has implemented special measures to facilitate student mobility during the examination days. At least 20 additional buses will operate on 15 different routes for the eight days of Madhyamik examinations. Special bus services will run from both North and South Kolkata to ensure students can reach their examination centers conveniently and on time.
Chief Minister's Encouragement
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her heartfelt wishes to all secondary examinees through a social media post. "Heartfelt best wishes to all secondary examinees. May everyone have a bright and promising future," she wrote, expressing her support for the young students undertaking this important academic challenge.
Examination Schedule and Protocol
The Madhyamik papers will be held daily from 10:45 am to 2 pm, with specific protocols in place:
- The first 15 minutes have been allocated for reading the question paper
- Distribution of answer scripts will begin at 10:55 am
- Answer writing will commence at 11 am
- Candidates can enter examination centers from 10 am
- Students must write the question paper serial number in the designated space on their answer booklet
Strict Examination Hall Regulations
The WBBSE has implemented stringent rules to maintain examination integrity:
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited including mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and earbuds
- Only admit cards, registration certificates, pens, and transparent clipboards are permitted
- Water bottles and non-transparent items will not be allowed inside examination halls
- Cloakrooms are available outside examination halls for safekeeping of bags and personal belongings
Any candidate found with prohibited electronic devices will face immediate confiscation and examination cancellation.
Examination Hall Exit Protocols
Candidates will not be permitted to leave the examination hall during the first 1 hour and 15 minutes. After this initial period, students needing bathroom breaks must submit both their question paper and answer script to the invigilator before exiting.
Those leaving before the examination concludes must return their answer booklet and question paper, and may only collect the question paper after the examination has officially ended.
Staff Regulations and Surveillance Measures
Examination staff are also subject to restrictions, with electronic devices prohibited except for designated officials who may use mobile phones strictly for official communication purposes.
CCTV surveillance has been implemented at all examination centers, with video recordings preserved for a minimum of 30 days. The Board has warned that any vandalism-related damage will be recovered from responsible schools, and results of involved candidates will be withheld until clearance is granted.
The comprehensive arrangements reflect the state government's commitment to ensuring fair and secure conduct of the Madhyamik examinations, providing students with the best possible environment to demonstrate their academic capabilities.
