The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has officially commenced the Semester 3 examinations of the Higher Secondary (HS) course today, September 8, 2025. This is the first time the board is conducting the test under the newly introduced semester system. The exams will run till September 22, covering nearly 6.6 lakh students across the state.
This new academic framework now requires students to clear both Semester 1 and Semester 2 in Class 11 before qualifying for the Semester 3 exams. With this, West Bengal has transitioned into a continuous evaluation system for Classes 11 and 12, replacing the earlier single annual examination format.
Student Participation: Girls Outnumber Boys
According to official data, the number of girl candidates is significantly higher than boys in Semester 3. This year, 79,582 more girls have registered, continuing the recent trend of higher female participation. Notably, girls have outnumbered boys across all 23 districts of the state.
The Council noted that this demographic shift reflects a stronger push toward female education in Bengal and highlights the changing academic landscape in rural as well as urban regions.
WB HS Semester 3 Exam 2025 Timings
- Most subjects: 10 AM to 11:15 AM
- Music, Visual Arts, Vocational subjects: 10 AM to 11:45 AM
Students have been instructed to reach the centres by 9 AM to complete frisking and verification before the distribution of question papers.
Security Measures in Place
WBCHSE has rolled out strict surveillance and security arrangements to ensure fair conduct of the exams.
- CCTV cameras installed at the venue supervisors’ rooms and main gates.
- Body frisking with metal detectors for all candidates.
- Ban on mobile phones, calculators, and electronic devices, with violations leading to cancellation of enrolment.
- Question papers sealed in poly pouches, only opened at 9:55 AM in front of students.
Officials confirmed that these steps have been taken to curb malpractice and maintain the integrity of the semester system.
WB HS Semester 3 Exam 2025 Guidelines
The Council has laid down specific instructions for smooth administration:
- Students must report to exam centres by 9 AM.
- Only blue or black ballpoint pens are allowed on OMR sheets.
- Male students are not to be allocated to girls’ schools.
- No exchange of candidates between schools unless unavoidable.
- Seating to follow an “S” pattern, with a maximum of two students per bench.
- Priority to be given to permanent teachers for invigilation duties.
- Minimum of two invigilators per room, or one per 20 students.
- Question papers and OMR sheets to be distributed only at 10 AM sharp.
These measures are aimed at ensuring uniformity, transparency, and proper monitoring throughout the examination period.
