West Bengal HS Board Exams 2026 Kick Off on February 12 with Stricter Surveillance
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has officially announced the commencement of the Higher Secondary (HS) Class 12 examinations for the year 2026. The exams are scheduled to begin on February 12, 2026, and will continue through February 27, 2026. All examinations will be conducted in the traditional offline mode, utilizing pen and paper, across various centers throughout the state of West Bengal.
Massive Student Participation and Exam Logistics
This year, an estimated 7.10 lakh candidates are expected to participate in the semester III, semester IV, and third semester supplementary examinations. These exams will be held at approximately 2,100 examination centers statewide, ensuring widespread accessibility for students from all regions.
Exam Timings and Reporting Instructions
As per the officially released timetable, the WBCHSE HS exams will be conducted in a single shift. The examinations will start promptly at 10:00 AM and conclude at 1:15 PM. Students are strongly advised to arrive at their respective examination centers at least 30 minutes before the reporting time to complete necessary frisking and verification procedures. The Council has emphasized that candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall after the stipulated time under normal circumstances, highlighting the importance of punctuality.
Essential Documents and Stationery Requirements
Students appearing for the WB HS 2026 exams must carry specific documents to gain entry into the examination hall. The following items are mandatory:
- WBCHSE HS Admit Card – This is compulsory, and without it, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination center.
- School-issued registration certificate, if applicable.
- A valid school ID card or government-issued photo ID for verification purposes, if required.
In terms of stationery, students are permitted to bring:
- Blue or black ballpoint pens
- Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
- Geometry box for specific subjects, if needed
- A transparent pouch to carry all stationery items
Students are advised not to borrow stationery inside the exam hall to avoid any disruptions.
Prohibited Items and Disciplinary Measures
The Council has issued a clear list of items that are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Possession of any of these items may lead to disqualification or cancellation of the exam. The prohibited items include:
- Mobile phones and smartwatches
- Calculators and any electronic gadgets
- Written notes, chits, or any study material
General Instructions for a Smooth Exam Experience
To ensure a hassle-free examination process, candidates are instructed to:
- Carefully sign the attendance sheet upon entry.
- Thoroughly check the question paper before starting the exam.
- Refrain from leaving the examination hall before completion without proper permission.
- Maintain discipline and follow all instructions given by invigilators inside the exam center premises.
Enhanced Security and Monitoring Measures
In light of the large number of candidates, the WBCHSE has implemented enhanced surveillance and monitoring measures to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the examinations. Key initiatives include:
- Mandatory CCTV surveillance at all entrance gates of examination venues.
- Over 100 examination venues categorized as "sensitive," which will be placed under additional supervision.
- Deployment of approximately 7,000 invigilators, sourced from primary, upper primary, and secondary schools.
Council President Chiranjib Bhattacharya noted that teachers from HS schools are currently engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, necessitating the arrangement of invigilators from other school levels. Additionally, the council has operationalized multiple camps and distribution offices in districts such as Bolpur, Rampurhat, Suri, Arambagh, and Bankura to ensure smooth logistics and timely distribution of question papers.
With over seven lakh candidates appearing and these stringent measures in place, the Council is committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of the examinations across all centers.
