Mobile Banned in Schools! Board’s Strict Guidelines and New Rules for Academic Session 2026

Mobile Banned in Schools: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has released the Annual Academic Calendar for the academic session 2026, placing significant emphasis on maintaining the educational environment and discipline in schools. In the guidelines published on December 29th, the Board has taken a very strict stance regarding the use of mobile phones, alongside outlining the school schedule, holiday list, and class routines. These new directives are applicable to all government and government-aided schools across the state.

Complete Ban on Mobile Phones for Students

The Board has clearly stated in its notification that bringing mobile phones or smartphones into the school premises is strictly prohibited for students. While many schools previously had unwritten rules regarding this, the Board has now issued a formal written ban. This decision aims to ensure that students’ concentration in the classroom remains undisturbed and a proper educational atmosphere is maintained. The Board considers this step essential to prevent the misuse of smartphones and to keep students focused on their studies.

Strict Rules for Teachers as Well

Restrictions on mobile usage have been imposed not only on students but also on teachers. According to the Board’s directives:

• No Use in Classrooms: Teachers are not allowed to use mobile phones or Bluetooth devices while in classrooms or laboratories. This rule is intended to prevent any distraction during teaching hours that could adversely affect the students.
• Permission for Educational Use: However, acknowledging that smartphones or the internet can serve as helpful tools in modern education, an exception has been made. If a teacher wishes to use a mobile phone as a ‘Teaching Aid’ in a specific class, they must obtain prior written permission from the Head of the Institution (HOI). Using a phone in class without this permission is not allowed.

School Punctuality and Other Important Rules

In addition to the mobile ban, the Board has set several other rules to restore discipline in daily school operations:

• School Timings: All teachers and non-teaching staff must reach the school by 10:35 AM and must be present at the prayer assembly at 10:40 AM. No teacher or staff member is allowed to leave the school premises before 4:30 PM unless they have official government duty.
• Prohibition of Punishment: The Board has explicitly stated that no teacher or non-teaching staff can subject students to any form of physical or mental punishment. Instead of corporal punishment or harsh scolding, corrective measures should be adopted to rectify students’ mistakes.
• Private Tuition: Teachers are prohibited from engaging in private tuition or any other business for personal gain. Although this rule existed previously, it has been reiterated in this new directive.
• Return of Old Books: After being promoted to a new class, students at the secondary level must return the old textbooks they received for free to the school. It will be the responsibility of the Head Teachers to pack these books according to the rules and send them back to the concerned authorities.

The Board has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned school authorities or individuals if these guidelines are violated. It is expected that these directives will play an effective role in improving the quality of education and restoring discipline in the state’s schools in 2026.