THE FINAL Higher Secondary (HS) examinations under the annual system began on Monday and will conclude on March 18. This year, 509,000 candidates are appearing for the exams across 2,089 centres in the state. This year also, like the past few years, female candidates have outnumbered male candidates with 277,992 female students (54.68 per cent) compared to 230,421 male students (45.32 per cent).
The WBCHSE has underlined its “zero tolerance” policy towards any form of cheating and thus has implemented strict measures to prevent malpractice.
The question papers have unique serial numbers, which will also be embedded in QR codes, and barcodes and it is mandatory for students to write the serial number on the right side of their answer sheets. Certain other undisclosed security features have also been introduced to prevent cheating.
Students can only carry transparent water bottles, writing boards and clear pencil pouches.
Also, metal detectors have been installed at all centres to prevent students from carrying mobile phones or electronic gadgets. CCTV cameras will monitor entry points and confidential rooms storing question papers.
This year a total of 136 centres have been designated as sensitive. If a student is caught with a mobile phone or any electronic device, then the student’s entire examination would be cancelled for this year . For the first time in years, admit cards will mention the assigned exam centre to avoid confusion.
In case of issues, WBCHSE has set up a control room with helpline numbers: 033-23370792 / 23379661.
From the 2025-2026 academic year, HS exams will follow a new semester system, requiring students to appear for the exams twice a year.
After the conclusion of the examinations on day one, WBCHSE president Chiranjib Bhattacharya told mediapersons, “The exams went well on Monday…many students said it went well . In general, no major allegations regarding questions. I visited five centres, spoke to guardians and they were happy. The exams went peacefully, attendance was also good.”
Bhattacharya said, “On the first day of the examinations, only one case of a examinee carrying mobile in the hall was reported. This is not supposed to happen as mental detector was there in every centre. The student who was caught with the mobile is a student from Kamarhati High School whose centre was Kamarhati Sagardutta Free High School. We have zero tolerance regarding carrying of mobile or any electronic devices, the mobile and the admit card of the examinee has been seized . The examinee would not be allowed to sit for any exam this year. We will also seek an explanation from the supervisor of that centre . Over all it was a peaceful examination.”