Madhyamik Examination Set to Commence Amid Staffing Uncertainties
The Madhyamik (Class 10) board examination conducted by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, but significant concerns persist regarding the availability of teachers and education officials required for smooth conduct. This uncertainty stems from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls, which has engaged many educators in election-related duties.
WBBSE Appeals for Teacher Exemption During Exam Hours
During a press conference held on Friday, WBBSE President Ramanuj Ganguly revealed that the Board has formally communicated with district magistrates, who also serve as district election officers, and the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer. The correspondence highlighted the potential staff crunch during the examination period due to the SIR activities. However, as of now, the Board has not received any written response or assurance from the election authorities.
The WBBSE estimates that approximately 52,000 teachers are essential for invigilation and associated responsibilities across the state. A substantial number of these educators are currently serving as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for the electoral revision process. Additionally, each primary examination center requires an officer-in-charge, many of whom have been assigned as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). Ganguly emphasized that the absence of these key personnel during examination hours could severely disrupt and jeopardize the entire examination process.
Legal and Operational Challenges Highlighted
In a detailed letter dispatched to Election Commission of India (ECI) officials on January 27, the WBBSE specifically requested that teachers functioning as BLOs be exempted from SIR duties on examination days, at least until 4:30 PM. The letter referenced a Calcutta High Court order dated August 4, 2025, which documented the ECI's commitment to minimize the drafting of teachers as BLOs and, when necessary, to engage them only during holidays or non-teaching hours.
The communication stated, "In this context, we would like to bring to your notice that for performance of duty as Block Level Officer (BLO), secondary school teachers have been engaged in the exercise of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) under Election Commission of India (ECI). We earnestly request you to please spare such teachers so engaged in your District/jurisdiction from their responsibilities as BLO on the days of examination (up to about 4.30 PM). Please note that such teachers are required to discharge duties and work related to the said examination, either directly or in support of its safe and secured completion."
Ganguly further commented, "Both SIR and Madhyamik are statutory exercises. One cannot obstruct the other," clarifying that the appeal is strictly confined to the examination timeframe to ensure academic integrity.
Examination Scale and Demographic Details
This year's Madhyamik examination will be conducted across 2,682 centers throughout West Bengal, comprising 945 main centers and 1,737 sub-centers. A total of 9,71,340 candidates are registered to appear, marking a slight increase from the 9,69,425 examinees in the previous year. The demographic breakdown of candidates includes:
- 4,26,733 boys
- 5,44,606 girls
- One transgender individual
The situation underscores the critical need for coordination between educational and electoral authorities to prevent logistical conflicts and ensure the seamless execution of both essential statutory functions.
