Around 6.8 lakh candidates appeared for the recruitment examination for nearly 3,000 Group C posts in state-aided schools across West Bengal on Sunday, officials said.
The State Level Selection Test (SLST) was conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to fill 2,989 clerical vacancies in government-aided schools. According to officials, 8.09 lakh candidates had registered for the examination, and the test recorded an attendance of about 84 per cent.
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Authorities said the examination was held smoothly across the state with coordinated arrangements by the administration and law-enforcement agencies.
Recruitment drive amid scrutiny of earlier appointments
The large turnout comes at a time when the state’s school recruitment process remains under intense public attention. Last year, the Supreme Court invalidated the appointments of nearly 26,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-aided schools after irregularities were detected in the recruitment process.
Officials said the current recruitment drive is part of efforts to fill vacant positions through a fresh selection process.
State Education Minister Bratya Basu said the examination was conducted in a "fair and transparent manner" and congratulated officials involved in organising the test.
In a post on X, Basu noted that the exam also saw participation from candidates outside the state.
"It is particularly noteworthy that 4,893 candidates from outside West Bengal appeared for the examination, of whom more than 3,000 were from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," he said.
The minister also said the turnout reflected the confidence of aspirants in the recruitment process.
"Despite misinformation campaigns, this stands as a shining example of the unwavering trust of candidates, cutting across political lines, in the transparency and impartiality of the government of West Bengal," Basu added.
Purpose of the SLST examination
The State Level Selection Test (SLST) is conducted by the WBSSC to shortlist candidates for teaching and non-teaching posts in government-aided schools.
Apart from the Group C recruitment examination, the commission is also preparing for other recruitment tests under the SLST framework. These include examinations for assistant teachers in secondary and higher secondary schools, special educators, and non-teaching staff positions.
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The recruitment process is governed by the West Bengal School Service Commission Act, 1997, which regulates appointments in recognised non-government aided schools across the state.
Officials said further stages of the recruitment process will follow after the evaluation of answer scripts.
