West Bengal School Service Commission Releases Full List of 1,806 Disqualified Candidates in Teacher Recruitment Scam

Court-mandated transparency stirs controversy; fresh recruitment process set to begin, but some key details are still missing.

KalimNews, November 28, 2025, Kolkata :   In a major development related to the 2016 West Bengal teacher recruitment scam, the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) on Thursday published a detailed list of 1,806 individuals deemed ineligible for teaching positions. This action, which follows the directives of the Calcutta High Court, aims to ensure transparency in the ongoing investigation into recruitment irregularities and illegal practices that have plagued the system

For the first time, the commission has released full details of the disqualified candidates, including their full names, fathers' names, roll numbers, subjects, and dates of birth. Previously, only the names and roll numbers of the disqualified candidates had been made public. The newly published list includes candidates from a range of subjects and categories who allegedly secured their positions through unlawful methods such as manipulation of OMR sheets, illegal recommendations, or failure to meet the required qualifications in written exams and interviews.

This move follows a specific order from Justice Amrita Sinha of the Calcutta High Court, which had directed that the disqualified candidates be barred from participating in any upcoming exams. It also responds to a broader directive from the Supreme Court, which had previously cancelled the entire 2016 panel and ordered that the recruitment process be completed by December 31, 2025.

Key Highlights from the Publication:

• Number of Disqualified Candidates: 1,806

• Candidates’ Information: Full names, fathers’ names, roll numbers, subjects, and dates of birth included.

• Categories Affected: Multiple categories across various subjects from the 2016 recruitment cycle.

• Supreme Court Directive: Ongoing recruitment must be completed by December 31, 2025.

• Vacancies to Be Filled: A new, transparent recruitment process will be initiated to fill the vacated posts.

Despite the promise of greater transparency, the release of this list has sparked a fresh wave of criticism. Critics have pointed out that while the list provides vital personal details, it fails to include key information such as the schools where these candidates were previously employed or their respective departments. This omission has raised concerns about the potential challenges of identifying where these disqualified candidates have been working and the immediate impact on schools.

Political and Administrative Reactions

Before the list was made public, State Education Minister Bratya Basu held a press conference, confirming its publication in compliance with the Calcutta High Court’s directive. He stated that the WBSSC’s decision to release the list was also in line with the Supreme Court’s order to ensure the recruitment process is concluded by the end of the year.

Legal experts view the release of the disqualified candidates’ list as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into the WBSSC recruitment irregularities. Many believe this transparency move will set the stage for a fairer, more accountable process in filling the vacant teacher positions.

The move has raised concerns about temporary staff shortages in schools, particularly as officials prepare to launch a new recruitment process. Education sector stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions, with some applauding the move towards transparency and others worrying about the logistical challenges posed by the vacancies.

Legal and Administrative Impact

The publication of the list marks a crucial moment in the long-running investigation into the WBSSC recruitment scam, which has already led to widespread legal and administrative reforms. The court has repeatedly stated that "no unqualified candidate can be allowed to continue in service," and the WBSSC is now expected to take immediate steps to rectify the irregularities by filling the newly vacated posts through a fresh, transparent recruitment process.

In conclusion, while the release of the full list of disqualified candidates has provided the promised transparency, the ongoing situation remains fraught with uncertainty. Schools across the state are bracing for the challenges posed by the temporary staff shortages, and the legal and administrative processes continue to unfold as the recruitment scandal continues to make waves in West Bengal.