West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester-III Exam Begins With Over 7.18 Lakh Students Across 2,105 Venues

Kolkata: The Higher Secondary Semester-III examination commenced on Monday, with over 7.18 lakh students sitting for the tests, as reported by the West Bengal Council of Higher Education (WBCHSE). Male candidates numbered 3,15,731, while female students comprised 4,02,889, according to the council. The examination took place between 11 am and 12:30 pm, spanning from September 21 to October 14, with a revised timeline due to by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar and holidays.

The assessment was conducted at 825 centers, spread across 2,105 venues, including 99 considered sensitive. No incidents were reported during the examination, the council stated. This is the first time the Semester-III exam is utilizing OMR sheets for evaluation, and the WBCHSE has partnered with India Post for the collection and transportation of completed sheets from sites to its regional offices.

Two invigilators were assigned to each examination room, adhering to a one-to-20 student ratio. Mobile phones, calculators, and other electronic devices were strictly forbidden inside the exam venues; any candidate found with such items would face cancellation of the exam and enrollment. Metal-detector searches were performed at the main entrances, and CCTV surveillance monitored the entrances and venue supervisors' rooms.

Question papers featured unique serial numbers, and sealed packets were inspected before the tests commenced to prevent malpractice. The council president urged students to disregard rumors or misinformation during the examination process.