Bihar Board 12th Exams 2026: Massive Turnout with Enhanced Security Protocols
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is gearing up for the Bihar Board Intermediate Annual Examination 2026, scheduled to commence on February 2, 2026. This year's examination will witness a significant participation of approximately 13.18 lakh Intermediate students across the state, highlighting the scale and importance of this academic milestone.
Demographic Breakdown and Examination Centers
Of the total 13,17,846 candidates registered for the exams, a detailed gender-wise distribution reveals 6,75,844 girls and 6,42,002 boys. These students will appear at 1,762 examination centers strategically located throughout Bihar, ensuring accessibility while maintaining rigorous standards.
Board Chairman Anand Kishore has emphatically announced a zero-tolerance policy aimed at fostering a fair and malpractice-free examination environment. This commitment underscores the board's dedication to upholding academic integrity and providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
Strict Entry Deadlines and Security Measures
In a decisive move to preserve the sanctity of the examinations, the BSEB has implemented a stringent entry schedule. The examination center gates will be locked precisely 30 minutes before the exam begins, with specific timings for both shifts:
- Morning Shift: Starting at 9:30 AM, entry begins at 8:30 AM, and gates close at 9:00 AM sharp.
- Afternoon Shift: Starting at 2:00 PM, entry begins at 1:00 PM, and gates close at 1:30 PM.
The board has strongly advised students to arrive at their centers at least one hour before the exam commencement to avoid any last-minute rush and ensure a smooth process.
Criminal Charges for Unauthorized Entry
The BSEB has issued a stern warning regarding unauthorized entry attempts. Any candidate attempting to enter a center illegally after gate closure—such as by jumping over boundary walls—will face severe consequences. Such acts will be treated as criminal trespass, resulting in expulsion from exams for two years and the lodging of an FIR.
Furthermore, center superintendents or staff members found complicit in facilitating illegal entries will confront immediate suspension and legal action, reinforcing the board's uncompromising stance on examination integrity.
Comprehensive Security and Digital Surveillance
To effectively curb cheating and malpractice, the Bihar Board has mandated a multi-layered security protocol:
- Every candidate will undergo thorough searches at the main gate and again inside the examination hall by invigilators.
- Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches, and calculators are strictly prohibited for both students and staff, with exceptions only for the Center Superintendent.
- All examination centers must be equipped with functional CCTV cameras, and one videographer will be assigned for every 500 candidates to monitor activities.
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, will be enforced within 200 meters of all exam centers to prevent unauthorized gatherings and ensure order.
Exam Pattern and Student Support Initiatives
Despite the stringent security measures, this year's Bihar Board examination incorporates several student-friendly features designed to alleviate stress and enhance performance:
- Students will benefit from 100% extra choices in both objective and subjective sections, allowing them to answer 50 out of 100 objective questions, for instance.
- An additional 15 minutes will be allocated for students to read question papers and OMR sheets before the exam begins.
- Each student will be identified through a unique ID system introduced in 2023, streamlining verification processes.
- Students with disabilities who are unable to write may utilize a scribe and will receive an extra 20 minutes per hour to complete their exams.
To address any concerns or issues, a dedicated control room has been established in Patna. This facility will operate 24 hours a day from February 1 to February 13, 2026. Candidates or parents can contact the helpdesk at 0612-2232257 or 0612-2232227 for assistance, ensuring continuous support throughout the examination period.
The Bihar Board's comprehensive approach balances rigorous security with empathetic student support, aiming to conduct a transparent and successful examination process for all participants.
