The 2026 Higher Secondary(HS) fourth-semester examination is just days away. Amid all the last-minute exam preparations, a fresh issue has surfaced. The education system has been struck by a major staff shortage. The Higher Secondary Education Council has flagged a shortage of teachers to manage duties at examination centres, prompting plans to bring in support from primary schools.
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According to the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education(WBCHSE), the shortage has been caused largely because many teachers and staff are currently engaged in SIR-related work. This has increased pressure on the examination system. To manage the situation, the council has decided to deploy primary school teachers at higher secondary examination centres.
Teacher shortage adds pressure before exams
Around 12,000 additional teachers from the primary level may be assigned to examination duties this year, according to media sources. The council said its immediate priority is to ensure there are enough invigilators and teachers to conduct the exams in a fair and transparent manner.
The examinations will be held in three phases between February 12 and February 27. These include the Semester IV exams, Semester III supplementary exams, and the previous method higher secondary examinations. The total number of candidates across the three exams is around 7.10 lakh. Out of the total number, 44.40 per cent are boys and 55.60 per cent are girls. The number of female candidates is higher by about 80,000.
Security and exam-day rules
Examinations will be conducted at 822 main centres and 2,103 venues across the state. A total of 104 venues have been marked as sensitive. As per instructions, at least two invigilators will be posted for every 20 candidates in an examination room.
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The council has also outlined strict security measures. CCTV cameras will be installed at the main gate of each venue and inside the venue supervisor’s room. Mobile phones and electronic devices will be checked using metal detectors. If any such devices are found inside the examination hall, all examinations of the candidate, including enrolment, will be cancelled.
The fourth-semester higher secondary examination is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 12. Candidates have been advised to reach their centres by 9 am. Question papers will be opened at the scheduled time. Answer sheets and OMR sheets related instructions must be adheared strictly.
