WBCHSE restricts students from using mobile phones during school hours

MP, July 18, 2026, Kolkata : The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has directed affiliated schools to restrict students from carrying and using mobile phones during school hours.

In a separate notification, it also announced the fee structure for the Semester III Higher Secondary Examination, 2027, and the Semester III Supplementary Examination, 2027.

Heads of institutions have been asked to advise students not to bring or use mobile phones during classes, examinations, assemblies and other academic activities except under exceptional circumstances and with prior permission.

Students carrying phones for genuine reasons, such as long-distance travel or medical emergencies, have been asked to keep them switched off or in silent mode.

Schools may frame their own procedures for the safe custody of such devices.

Teachers have been asked to counsel students on the responsible and ethical use of digital devices, while schools have been encouraged to organise awareness programmes on digital well-being, cyber safety and responsible use of technology.

Parents have also been requested to discourage their wards from bringing mobile phones to school except under exceptional circumstances.

In the separate notification, the council fixed the enrolment fee for the Semester III Higher Secondary Examination, 2027, at Rs 215 per student.

Of the total amount, Rs 25 has been earmarked as the centre grant, while Rs 190 will be deposited with the council.

It also prescribed the fee structure for the Semester III Supplementary Examination, 2027.

Heads of institutions have been directed to collect a centre fee of Rs 25 per candidate and deposit it with the respective centre secretaries before the commencement of the examination.

The All Post Graduate Teachers’ Welfare Association (APGTWA) demanded a revision of the centre fee, saying Rs 25 does not cover the actual cost of conducting examinations.

It urged the council to increase the centre fee to Rs 70-75 per candidate.