Mobile Phone Ban, CCTV Surveillance, and More – Everything You Need to Know
The West Bengal Higher Secondary Examination 2025 begins today, March 3, and will continue until March 18. This is the last examination under the old syllabus, as the semester system will be introduced from 2026, allowing students to appear for the Higher Secondary exams twice a year.
✅ Key Highlights of Higher Secondary Exam 2024
🔹 Total Examinees: 5,09,000 students
🔹 Total Exam Centers: 798
🔹 Sensitive Exam Centers: 136
🔹 Exam Timing: 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM
🔹 New Subjects Introduced: ARTI and Data Science
Compared to last year’s 7,90,000 candidates, the number of examinees has decreased. Interestingly, this year, the number of female candidates exceeds male candidates by 45,571, according to the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE).
🚨 Strict Rules to Prevent Malpractice – Exam Cancellation for Mobile Usage
To ensure a cheating-free examination, authorities have implemented strict security measures:
✔️ Metal Detectors will be installed at each exam center.
✔️ CCTV surveillance at the entrance and in the supervisor’s office.
✔️ Question papers will be unsealed in front of students precisely 5 minutes before the exam starts.
✔️ Absolute ban on mobile phones and electronic devices inside the exam hall.
✔️ If a candidate is caught with any electronic device, their entire exam for the year will be canceled.
🏫 Why Are 136 Exam Centers Marked as ‘Sensitive’?
The West Bengal Higher Secondary Board has identified 136 centers as sensitive due to past incidents. These centers will have:
🔸 Additional security personnel for monitoring
🔸 Network restrictions to prevent online cheating
🔸 Special observers assigned to maintain discipline
📌 Why Such Strict Measures in 2025?
Over the years, incidents of paper leaks and cheating have been reported. This year, the WBCHSE aims to ensure maximum transparency and fairness by enforcing:
⚠️ A strict no-mobile policy
⚠️ No books, notes, or unauthorized gadgets allowed
⚠️ Latecomers will not be allowed to enter after the exam starts
🔎 Future of Higher Secondary Exams – The Semester System from 2026
Starting in 2026, the Higher Secondary examination will follow a semester system. This means:
✅ Exams will be conducted twice a year
✅ Students will have reduced pressure
✅ The question paper format may change