HS Exam Update: Big Good News for Higher Secondary Examinees Major Change in Exam Rules 10 Minutes Extra Time
HS Exam Update: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) is poised to take a significant step to facilitate students appearing for the Higher Secondary examinations. Following the introduction of the semester system, major changes are now being indicated in the examination schedule and rules. Specifically, there is good news regarding the 4th Semester and the 3rd Semester Supplementary examinations. According to the proposal, question papers and OMR sheets will be handed over to the examinees before the official start time.
Recently, the 3rd Semester of the Higher Secondary examination concluded. Many students raised complaints about the lack of time while appearing for exams under this new semester system. Students faced particular difficulties in completing their papers on time in subjects like Accountancy, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Keeping these grievances in mind, the Council has planned to allot an extra 10 minutes or distribute the question papers early. However, this proposal has been sent to Bikash Bhavan for final approval.
New Schedule for 4th Semester and Supplementary Exams
The final or 4th Semester of the Higher Secondary examination is scheduled to be held in February 2026. This examination will primarily be descriptive in nature. As per the Council’s plan, question papers will be distributed to students 10 minutes before the exam begins, allowing them sufficient time to read the questions.
On the same day, following the 4th Semester, the 3rd Semester Supplementary examination will be conducted in the second half, which will be OMR-based. The detailed proposed schedule is given below:
| Exam Name | Exam Time | Paper Distribution Time | Exam Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Semester (Final) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 09:50 AM | Descriptive |
| 3rd Semester (Supplementary) | 01:00 PM – 02:15 PM | 12:50 PM | OMR Based |
Statement from the Council President and Rules
Chiranjib Bhattacharya, President of the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, clarified that there is no change in the actual duration of the examination. The 4th Semester will remain two hours long, and the 3rd Semester will be 1 hour and 15 minutes. The arrangement to provide question papers 10 minutes early is solely to help students read the questions thoroughly before they start writing.
Key Information:
- For Old Candidates: There is no change in rules for candidates appearing under the old syllabus or regulations. They will continue to get 3 hours and 15 minutes as before.
- Subject to Approval: This entire proposal is currently awaiting approval from the State Government. The rule will come into effect once the green signal is received from Bikash Bhavan.
Considering the long-standing demands and difficulties of the students, this initiative by the Council is certainly praiseworthy. Academicians believe that this will allow examinees to reduce mental stress and write their answers more calmly.
