Secondary Edu Board Issues Warning as Schools Advance 3rd Summative Exam

MP | 23 Nov 2025 | Kolkata: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has warned recognized schools against advancing the third summative evaluation after several institutions began the tests well before the Board’s prescribed window of December 1-10. A June 20 order had set the dates for Classes VI to IX, prohibiting any school from starting exams early. Despite this, government, aided, and private unaided schools reportedly conducted examinations 7 to 15 days ahead of schedule.

Following reports of violations, Deputy Secretary (Academic) Rhitabrata Chatterjee issued a notification on November 21, stating that schools were “deliberately violating” the earlier directive and instructing heads of institutions to adhere to the approved schedule.

Officials explained that advancing exams curtailed teaching days, which had already been reduced by the extended summer break and the month-long Puja vacation. They also stated that non-compliant schools might receive show-cause notices and could be summoned before the Board’s disciplinary committee. Temporary suspension of heads remains an option if their explanations are not accepted.

One of the schools against which complaints had been filed for planning to start exams from November 24 has since revised its schedule. The head of Chakdaha Ramlal Academy confirmed that the earlier schedule had been withdrawn, and exams would now begin on December 2.

The directive has drawn mixed responses from teachers. Some support the Board, arguing that a uniform timetable helps prevent disruption to the academic calendar. However, others have called for the withdrawal of the November 21 notification. The All Post Graduate Teachers’ Welfare Association noted that the nine to ten-day window was challenging for schools with limited classrooms, furniture, or subject teachers to conduct exams for five classes simultaneously. They also highlighted the increased workload due to holistic report cards and the unreliable online systems used for uploading results.