West Bengal Board Announces Comprehensive Schedule for 2026 Higher Secondary Examinations
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has officially released detailed notifications concerning the upcoming Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations scheduled for the year 2026. This announcement provides a structured framework for students preparing for these crucial academic assessments.
Examination Dates and Structure
The notified examination date sheet outlines a comprehensive plan for both Semester 4 regular examinations and Semester 3 supplementary tests. According to the official schedule, these examinations will be conducted over a period spanning from February 12th to February 27th, 2026. This timeframe allows students adequate preparation while maintaining academic rigor.
Student-Friendly Examination Modifications
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the examination experience, WBCHSE has implemented several student-centric changes for the 2026 academic session. One of the most notable modifications involves granting candidates an additional 10 minutes before the commencement of each examination. This extended time period is specifically allocated for reading the question paper thoroughly and accurately filling in personal details on the answer script.
The examination timings have been clearly delineated as follows:
- Semester 4 Regular Examinations: Will begin promptly at 9:50 AM
- Semester 3 Supplementary Examinations: Will commence at 1:00 PM
Admit Card Distribution and Mandatory Requirements
The board has established a specific timeline for admit card distribution, which is a critical component of examination administration. Students appearing for the WB HS examinations in 2026 must collect their admit cards from their respective schools on January 28, 2026. It is imperative that all candidates adhere to this deadline, as carrying the admit card is mandatory for every examination day. The board has explicitly stated that no student will be permitted to appear for any examination without presenting their valid admit card.
Enhanced Flexibility in Sanskrit Examination
In a progressive step toward making examinations more accessible, WBCHSE has introduced notable flexibility in the Sanskrit examination format. For Part 2 short answer questions, which encompass prose, verse, and visual poetry components in both second and fourth semesters, students now have the option to answer question number two in Sanskrit, Bangla, or English. This multilingual approach aims to reduce language barriers and create a more inclusive assessment environment.
Textbook Availability and Resources
The board has also announced the availability of essential academic resources for Semester II. Beginning January 22, 2026, Bengali versions of key textbooks including Business Mathematics and Business Statistics (BMBS) and Basic Mathematics for Social Sciences (BMSS) will be accessible at the Book Mart located within Vidyasagar Bhavan. Students are strongly advised to regularly monitor the Notification Section of WBCHSE's official YouTube channel for timely updates regarding additional book releases and academic resources.
Detailed Examination Day Procedures
WBCHSE has provided comprehensive guidelines regarding examination day protocols to ensure smooth administration. The key timelines and procedures are as follows:
For Semester IV Higher Secondary Examination:
- Examinees must report to their respective examination centers by 9:00 AM
- Question packets will be officially opened and distributed at 9:30 AM
- Blank answer scripts or OMR sheets will be provided to students at 10:00 AM
For Semester III Supplementary Examination:
- Examinees must report to their respective examination centers by 12:30 PM
- Question packets will be officially opened at 12:40 PM
- Distribution of answer scripts will commence at 1:00 PM
These structured procedures are designed to maintain examination integrity while providing clear expectations for all participants. The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education continues to refine its examination processes to better serve the educational needs of students across the state.
