West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester Exams Commence Amid Widespread Student Protests
The fourth-semester Higher Secondary (HS) examinations in West Bengal officially began on Monday, but the start was overshadowed by significant protests from students and parents across the state. The primary grievance centers on what protesters describe as severely inadequate preparation time and a reduction in classroom sessions under the newly implemented semester-based examination pattern.
Implementation of the New Semester System
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) introduced the semester pattern for HS examinations this academic year. Under this new structure, the first part of the HS examination was conducted in September. However, students have reported receiving barely two months to prepare for the crucial second part, which commenced this week. This compressed timeline has sparked considerable anxiety and dissatisfaction among the examinee community.
Key Complaints from Students and Parents
Parents and students have articulated several specific concerns regarding the execution of the new system:
- Inadequate Preparation Time: The gap between the first and second semester exams was perceived as insufficient for thorough revision and understanding of the syllabus.
- Delayed Book Distribution: Many parents highlighted significant delays in the distribution of essential textbooks and study materials, which hampered students' ability to study effectively from the beginning of the academic session.
- Limited Teaching Days: A critical issue raised was the reduction in actual classroom teaching. This was exacerbated by the deployment of teachers for SIR (School Inspection Report) work immediately following the third-semester examinations, leading to a shortage of instructional time in numerous schools.
Official Response from the Education Council
In response to the mounting criticism, WBCHSE president Chiranjib Bhattacharjee addressed the concerns. He stated that certain logistical factors, such as teacher deployment for official duties and scheduled school holidays, were beyond the direct control of the council. The council's position is that they are operating within the constraints of the broader educational administrative framework.
The protests underscore a growing tension between the implementation of educational reforms and the practical realities faced by students on the ground. As the examinations proceed, the focus remains on how the authorities will address these systemic issues to ensure a fair and less stressful assessment process for future batches.
