WBCHSE to Introduce QR Codes in Higher Secondary Books, Featuring Digital Content and Combat Piracy

WBPAY4 hours agoLast Updated: June 23, 2025

WBCHSE: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has decided to incorporate QR codes into higher secondary textbooks. The primary objective of this move is to prevent book piracy and ensure that students receive authentic study materials.

Table of Contents

Why this initiative?

According to Chiranjib Bhattacharya, the President of the Higher Secondary Education Council, every year after the secondary examinations, official textbooks are sold illegally in College Street and other places. Often, the content of the books is slightly altered and sold at exorbitant prices, which misleads students and parents. This new technology has been adopted to solve this problem and verify the authenticity of the books.

How will this QR code work?

Authenticity Verification: Each book will have a special QR code on the back. Scanning this code will display the logo of the Higher Secondary Education Council and all the information about the book. If a book does not have this QR code on the back or if scanning it does not provide the correct information, it should be understood that the book is counterfeit.
Additional Digital Content: By scanning the QR code, students will not only be able to verify the authenticity of the book but will also get access to supplementary educational materials. This may include:
- Video Lectures: Detailed discussions and solutions on various subjects.
- Animations: Animated videos to simplify complex topics.
- Model Question Papers: Additional questions and their answers for exam preparation.

This digital content will make students’ learning more engaging and help enhance their knowledge.

Guidelines for Students

Priyadarshini Mallick, the Secretary of the Higher Secondary Education Council, has stated that students must be cautious and only purchase books authorized by the council. Before buying any book, they must scan the QR code on the back to verify its authenticity. If a book does not have a QR code or if it does not work, students should refrain from buying it.

This new technology will play a crucial role in curbing the black market for books and will ensure that students get the right educational materials. As a result, the higher secondary education system in West Bengal will become more advanced and secure.