How Did the First-ever Semester Exams for Class 12 Go in West Bengal?
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Synopsis
Kolkata recently witnessed the successful execution of the first-ever semester-format Class 12 exams by the WBCHSE, free from any question paper leaks. This marks a significant change in the state's educational approach, promising a brighter future for students. Join us as we delve deeper into the details and implications of this historic examination.
Key Takeaways
- Successful execution of the first semester exams without any incident.
- Introduction of a new semester system for Classes 11 and 12.
- Improved transparency with preventive measures against paper leaks.
- Enhanced support for specially-abled candidates.
- Multiple sets of questions to maintain exam integrity.
Kolkata, Sep 8 (NationPress) The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) successfully conducted the state's inaugural semester-format Class 12 examinations on Monday, with the entire process running smoothly and no reports of question paper leaks from any districts, a significant improvement compared to previous years. Students exited examination centers beaming with joy.
The first-semester exams, running from September 8 to 22, are being held across 2,106 venues in 23 districts, with 660,000 candidates registered.
This marks the first time that the Higher Secondary exams are being organized in two sessions—September and February—under the newly implemented semester system for Classes 11 and 12.
On the first day, WBCHSE President Chiranjib Bhattacharjee faced protests from some parents who claimed that students received their textbooks three months after classes commenced. However, students reported no issues with receiving the books later on.
Bhattacharjee later informed the media that the textbooks for the final semester are already available in the market. “There was a slight problem with the initially provided free books. But we have uploaded them to the official portal. All released books for the fourth semester are accessible,” he stated.
On Monday, examinations were conducted from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., while music, visual arts, and vocational subject papers extended until 11:45 a.m. Candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators, mobile phones, or any electronic devices into the exam halls, with any violation resulting in the cancellation of their candidature. Students also underwent metal detector screenings at entry points.
During the 1 hour and 15-minute test, candidates were not permitted to use the washroom.
To avert paper leaks, the WBCHSE has introduced sealed ‘non-transparent printed poly pouches’ for question paper packets. Two sets of question papers—Set 1 and Set 2—have been prepared, with the second set reserved for emergencies, such as a paper leak.
Considering the rainy season, exam papers and OMR sheets are being stored in locations with no history of waterlogging. Authorities have also kept the option open to shift exam centers in case of emergencies.
Among the total examinees, the number of female students surpasses that of their male counterparts across 23 districts. There are 818 main examination centers. Of the 342 specially-abled candidates, 212 will be assisted by scribes during their exams.
The first-semester exams are entirely multiple-choice based. To discourage malpractices, multiple question sets will be distributed within exam halls, emulating the competitive exams like NEET-UG and JEE, ensuring that adjacent candidates do not receive identical papers.
The WBCHSE officially announced the adoption of the semester system in April this year, marking a historic change in the state's educational framework.
Point of View
I recognize the groundbreaking significance of the WBCHSE's shift to a semester system. This transition not only enhances the examination process but also reflects a commitment to improving educational standards in West Bengal. It’s a step towards a more robust and transparent educational framework that prioritizes student experience and integrity.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the first-semester exams?
The first-semester exams are scheduled from September 8 to September 22.
How many venues are hosting the exams?
The exams are being held across 2,106 venues in 23 districts.
Are students allowed to bring electronic devices?
No, candidates are prohibited from carrying calculators, mobile phones, or any electronic devices into the exam halls.
What measures are in place to prevent paper leaks?
To prevent paper leaks, sealed ‘non-transparent printed poly pouches’ are used for the question papers, and two sets of papers have been prepared.
How are the exams structured?
The first-semester exams are entirely multiple-choice based, and multiple question sets are distributed to prevent malpractices.
