Over 7.18 lakh students appear for West Bengal HS Semester-3 exam

More than 7.18 lakh students appeared for the West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester-III examination on Monday, marking the start of the state board's latest semester-end assessment amid tightened security and new examination procedures.

According to the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE), a total of 7,18,620 candidates appeared for the first language paper. The turnout included 3,15,731 male and 4,02,889 female students. The examination was conducted from 11 am to 12.30 pm.

The Semester-III examinations are being held from September 21 to October 14. The schedule has been partially revised following the announcement of by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar on October 6, as well as in view of holidays.

The examination was conducted across 825 centres covering 2,105 venues, including 99 venues identified as sensitive. The council said no untoward incident was reported during Monday's examination.

For the first time, the Semester-III examination is being conducted using OMR sheets for evaluation. The WBCHSE has also partnered with India Post to collect and transport completed OMR answer sheets from examination centres to its regional offices.

WBCHSE president Mosiur Rahaman Sardar said two invigilators were deployed in every examination room, maintaining a ratio of one invigilator for every 20 students.

“Mobile phones, calculators and other electronic gadgets were prohibited inside the examination venues. If any candidate is found carrying a mobile phone or electronic gadget, the examination and enrolment of the candidate will be cancelled,” Sardar said.

Security measures were also strengthened at examination venues. Sardar said candidates underwent metal-detector frisking at the main gates, while CCTV surveillance was maintained at the gates and in venue supervisors' rooms.

To prevent malpractice and question paper leaks, question papers carried unique serial numbers and sealed packets were opened in front of students immediately before the examination.

The council president also urged students to remain cautious about rumours and misinformation during the examination period.

The ongoing Semester-III examination is part of the semester system introduced by the WBCHSE for Classes 11 and 12.