The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has addressed student concerns regarding the 2026 Class 12 Semester-IV Mathematics examination by announcing that full marks will be awarded for three questions found to be outside the official syllabus. The council’s decision aims to safeguard students’ interests and uphold fairness in the evaluation process.
Out-of-Syllabus Mathematics Questions Identified
During the mathematics paper conducted on 19 February 2026, several examinees and guardians raised complaints that certain questions did not align with the board’s prescribed syllabus. Following these concerns, the council conducted consultations with expert educators to verify the claims.
The review confirmed that the following questions were not part of the approved curriculum:
- Question 2B: 2 marks
- Question 11B: 4 marks
- Question 11C: 4 marks
These three questions together carried a total of 10 marks.
Board’s Decision on Evaluation
WBCHSE President Chiranjib Bhattacharya stated that in order to ensure no student is disadvantaged due to the paper discrepancy, candidates who attempted any of the identified out-of-syllabus questions will be awarded full marks for those questions — regardless of the accuracy of their answers. The board emphasised prioritising student welfare and fairness in assessment. The board also indicated that it will address how marks will be allocated for students who did not attempt these questions, saying that “everything will be taken care of” to ensure equity in results.
Student and Community Response
Reports from students and parents highlighted widespread distress soon after the examination due to unexpected questions that many had not prepared for. Some candidates reportedly spent significant time attempting these questions, adding to exam stress. Educators and stakeholder groups emphasised the importance of clear syllabus communication to prevent similar issues in future board exams. Teachers also pointed out that the state’s recent adoption of the semester system for Class 12 may have contributed to confusion about syllabus coverage among question-setters and examinees alike.
Exam Schedule and Context
The West Bengal HS Semester-IV examinations began on 12 February 2026 and will continue until 27 February 2026, with an estimated over 7 lakh candidates appearing for various subjects under the board’s supervision across the state. WBCHSE has reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparent and student-friendly evaluation processes. The decision to award full marks for the questioned items is expected to reduce anxiety among learners as results are prepared