A Historic Shift in West Bengal’s Education System
West Bengal has embarked on a transformative journey in its education system, launching its first-ever semester-based Class 12 board exams on September 8, 2025. With 6.6 lakh students participating, this marks a significant departure from the annual exam system in place since 1978. Aligned with the new state education policy, this reform aims to modernize assessments, reduce exam stress, and enhance learning outcomes. Here’s an in-depth look at this groundbreaking change and its implications for students.
- Key Points:
- First semester-based Class 12 exams began on September 8, 2025.
- 6.6 lakh students enrolled, with 56.03% being girls.
- Exams align with West Bengal’s new education policy for continuous evaluation.
The Semester System: A New Approach to Assessment
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has introduced a semester system for Classes 11 and 12, replacing the traditional annual exams. The Class 12 exams are now split into two phases: Semester III (September 8–22, 2025) and Semester IV (February 12–27, 2026). This structure promotes continuous assessment, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge progressively while reducing the pressure of a single high-stakes exam.
- Key Points:
- Semester system implemented for Class 11 (2024–25) and Class 12 (2025–26).
- Semester III exams feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to foster logical thinking.
- Semester IV will include short-answer and descriptive questions to test writing skills.
Exam Structure and Guidelines: Ensuring Fairness and Security
The Semester III exams, held across 2,106 centers in 23 districts, are designed with strict protocols to ensure fairness. Conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., the exams (except for music, visual arts, and vocational subjects, which run until 11:45 a.m.) use OMR-based MCQ formats. To prevent malpractice, 122 centers are marked as “sensitive,” with measures like CCTV surveillance, poly-sealed question papers, and multiple paper sets. Electronic devices, including mobile phones, are strictly prohibited, with violations leading to candidature cancellation.
- Key Points:
- Exams held at 2,106 centers, with 122 labeled as sensitive.
- Strict rules ban electronic devices and enforce security with CCTV and sealed papers.
- MCQ-based exams promote reasoning; different question sets prevent cheating.
Why the Change? Aligning with Modern Education Goals
The shift to a semester system reflects West Bengal’s commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes competency-based assessments and reduced exam stress. By spreading evaluations across semesters, the system allows for continuous learning and timely feedback. The inclusion of new subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and well-being further aligns the curriculum with modern demands, preparing students for future challenges.
- Key Points:
- Semester system reduces exam stress through smaller, frequent assessments.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 for competency-based learning.
- New subjects like AI and Data Science introduced to modernize the curriculum.
Student and Teacher Reactions: A Smooth Transition
The first day of the Semester III exams on September 8, 2025, was reported to be smooth, with no question paper leaks—a significant improvement over past challenges. Students expressed satisfaction, leaving exam centers with smiles, though some parents raised concerns about delayed textbook distribution. WBCHSE President Chiranjib Bhattacharya addressed these issues, noting that textbooks for the final semester are available online and in the market, ensuring no disruptions for Semester IV.
- Key Points:
- Exams ran smoothly with no reported paper leaks.
- Students adapted well, while some parents noted initial textbook delays.
- Textbooks for Semester IV are accessible online and in stores.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Educational Reform
West Bengal’s adoption of the semester system makes it the first Indian state to fully implement this model for Class 12 board exams. The combination of MCQs in Semesters I and III and descriptive questions in Semesters II and IV ensures a balanced assessment of reasoning and writing skills. With 80% of marks from end-semester exams and 20% from internal assessments, the system encourages holistic learning. This reform sets a precedent for other states, showcasing how educational innovation can enhance student outcomes.
- Key Points:
- West Bengal pioneers the semester system for Class 12 in India.
- Balanced assessment with MCQs and descriptive questions.
- Final results based on cumulative performance across semesters.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Education
West Bengal’s bold move to a semester-based Class 12 board exam system marks a new chapter in Indian education. By prioritizing continuous evaluation, modernized curricula, and strict exam protocols, the WBCHSE is empowering 6.6 lakh students to excel in a dynamic learning environment. As the state continues to refine this system, it serves as a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others to embrace innovation and student-centered learning. The success of this initiative signals a brighter, more inclusive future for education in India.
