SLST Experience 10 Marks: Before or After Interview? Strong Arguments in High Court

SLST Experience Marks: Amidst the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) SLST recruitment, a significant development has emerged from the Calcutta High Court. The hearing took place in the courtroom of Justice Amrita Sinha, focusing primarily on the allocation of 10 marks for teaching experience. The core debate revolved around whether these marks should be added before the interview process or after. Supreme Court Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing the in-service teachers, presented compelling arguments that could be a turning point in this case.

The Demand for Experience Marks for In-Service Teachers

During the hearing in Justice Amrita Sinha’s court, Advocate Menaka Guruswamy strongly argued that the experience marks for in-service teachers should be calculated and added prior to the interview stage. She highlighted that approximately 18,617 teachers have been serving in various schools across the state for the past seven years with dedication. She emphasized that these teachers act as the backbone of the state’s education system and are completely ‘untainted’ by any allegations of irregularity.

The counsel drew a sharp distinction between a fresher candidate and a teacher with seven years of classroom experience. She argued that in-service teachers have proven skills in handling classroom situations, and their quality of work is already established, which sets them apart from fresh graduates.

Statistical Analysis and Allegations of Deprivation

Analyzing the interview list published by the SSC, several startling statistics were presented to the court. It was alleged that in-service teachers are being deprived of their due opportunities despite having relevant experience. To clarify the disparity, the following statistics were highlighted:

By presenting these figures, the advocate aimed to demonstrate that experienced teachers are getting significantly fewer opportunities to advance to the next stage compared to freshers, which effectively undermines the value of experience.

Scope of Experience and Legal Arguments

Another crucial point raised during the hearing was whether experience in classes 9-10 should be considered valid for classes 11-12. Answering this, Menaka Guruswamy stated that under the Secondary Act, the entire range from class 9 to 12 falls under the secondary section. Once a teacher acquires the skill to handle classroom situations, that expertise is equally valuable across both levels.

Furthermore, she argued that just as full marks are awarded for high academic scores, a similar hierarchy should exist for experience. Citing the 2018 UGC guidelines, she pointed out that previous experience is given significant weight in subsequent recruitments in higher education. She suggested that verification of experience certificates should be done at the initial verification stage to weed out fake claims, making it logical to add the marks beforehand.

When is the Next Hearing?

After the extensive arguments presented by Menaka Guruswamy, Justice Amrita Sinha carefully recorded the submissions. However, the final verdict is yet to be delivered. According to court sources, the next hearing for this case has been scheduled for December 3, 2025. On that day, Advocate Pratik Dhar is expected to present his remaining arguments. Lakhs of job aspirants and in-service teachers are now eagerly awaiting the court’s final decision.