Kolkata

The West Bengal Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations commenced on Thursday, with more than 7.10 lakh candidates appearing across the state in different categories, officials said.

The examinations are being conducted by the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) and will continue until February 27.

Out of a total of 7,10,811 candidates, 6,35,864 students are taking the fourth-semester examinations, while 59,452 candidates are appearing for the third-semester supplementary tests. Additionally, 15,495 students have opted to write the exams under the old syllabus system.

Female candidates outnumbered male candidates this year, with 3,95,079 girls appearing for the examinations across all categories—79,347 more than boys.

The fourth-semester examinations are being held from 10 am to noon, while the third-semester supplementary exams are scheduled between 1 pm and 2:15 pm. Students following the old syllabus are writing their papers from 10 am to 1:15 pm.

WBCHSE President Chiranjib Bhattacharya said that around 7,000 invigilators have been drawn from primary, upper primary and secondary schools for the first time, as many higher secondary teachers are engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

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Approximately 2,100 examination centres, mainly higher secondary schools, are being used statewide. To ensure strict monitoring, CCTV cameras have been installed at all entry points, and over 100 centres have been identified as sensitive and placed under enhanced supervision.