19 Madhyamik 2026 Candidates Face Exam Cancellation Over Mobile Phone Use
Kolkata, February 7: Authorities overseeing the Madhyamik 2026 examinations have cancelled the papers of 19 candidates in the first three days after electronic devices, mainly mobile phones, were found in their possession inside examination halls. Officials said the action was taken under strict board regulations aimed at ensuring fairness and discipline during the secondary-level examinations conducted across West Bengal.
The latest instances were reported during the History examination held on Friday, when 13 candidates from different districts were detected with mobile phones. Education authorities said that the rule applies uniformly across all centres and that possession of any electronic gadget, whether used or not, is treated as a violation.
Incidents Reported Across Multiple Districts
According to examination monitoring records, the 13 cases detected on the third day were spread across several districts. Four candidates each were reported from Kolkata and Kalimpong districts, while individual cases were recorded in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda and East Burdwan.
Officials noted that in some centres, more than one candidate from the same school was caught. At an examination venue in Cooch Behar, two students from the same high school were found with phones. In Kolkata, four candidates from one institution were detected at a city examination centre. Similarly, in Kalimpong district, four candidates from a single school were reported at a centre in the Dooars region.
Separate single cases were also recorded in East Burdwan, Jalpaiguri and Malda districts, where candidates from different schools were found with mobile devices. Authorities said the distribution of cases indicates that vigilance teams and invigilators were actively checking examination halls.
Board Rules on Electronic Devices
The board’s examination guidelines clearly prohibit candidates from bringing any electronic item into the hall. This includes mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, wireless earbuds and Bluetooth-enabled devices. If any such item is found, the entire examination of the candidate is cancelled, not just the paper of the day. The device is also confiscated.
Officials explained that the rule is designed to prevent any possibility of unfair means, even if there is no proof that the device was used during the exam. “The regulation is preventive in nature. The presence of a device itself is considered a serious breach,” an official associated with the examination process said.
Earlier Cases in the First Two Days
The Friday incidents added to cases already recorded on the first two days of the examination schedule. On the opening day, February 2, one candidate was caught with a mobile phone during the first language paper. On the second day, February 3, five candidates were detected during the second language examination.
With the 13 new cases, the total number of cancellations linked to possession of electronic devices has reached 19 so far. Authorities said all the affected candidates have been informed through proper channels.
Monitoring and Examination Integrity
Education officials said multiple layers of monitoring are in place during Madhyamik examinations. These include invigilators, flying squads and surveillance mechanisms at certain centres. They emphasized that the aim is not punitive but to maintain the credibility of the examination system.
Teachers and school administrators have also been urged to counsel students about the rules before each paper. “Many students carry phones out of habit. But examination halls are high-security zones, and even unintentional violations carry consequences,” an educator said.
Impact on Students and System
Education experts note that cancellation of the entire examination can have significant consequences for students, including the need to reappear in the next academic cycle. They stress the importance of awareness campaigns to ensure students understand the seriousness of the rule.
At the same time, maintaining strict standards is seen as essential for protecting the interests of the vast majority of candidates who follow the rules. Fairness in board examinations is considered crucial for higher education admissions and future opportunities.
Conclusion
As Madhyamik 2026 continues, authorities have reiterated their appeal to students and guardians to strictly follow examination guidelines. With more papers remaining, officials say vigilance will remain high to ensure a transparent and credible examination process.
The recent cases serve as a reminder that even routine items like mobile phones can lead to severe academic consequences if brought into restricted environments. Education authorities are expected to continue monitoring closely while encouraging schools to reinforce awareness among students.
