Group C, D School Recruitment Exams in Bengal Likely in March; March 1 and 8 Under Consideration
The long-awaited written examinations for the recruitment of Group C and Group D non-teaching staff in West Bengal’s state-run schools are likely to be held in March, with March 1 and March 8 emerging as the most probable dates. Officials familiar with the process said the final schedule is expected to be announced once formal approval is received from the state School Education Department.
The recruitment drive has attracted an overwhelming response, reflecting the intense competition for government-backed employment in the state’s education sector. With nearly 16 lakh candidates vying for fewer than 8,500 posts, the upcoming examinations are being closely watched by applicants and education stakeholders alike.
Exam Dates Under Review Amid Election Calendar
According to officials, the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) had initially proposed holding the examinations on March 1 and March 15. However, with Assembly elections approaching, March 15 is now considered unlikely due to administrative and security considerations typically associated with the Model Code of Conduct.
“As things stand, March 1 and March 8 appear to be the most feasible options,” a senior official said, adding that the final decision will depend on clearance from the education department and coordination with other state agencies.
The commission is expected to issue a formal notification once the dates are finalised, providing clarity to lakhs of aspirants who have been preparing for the examination for months.
Massive Response Highlights Employment Pressure
The scale of applications received by the WBSSC underscores the high demand for non-teaching posts in government schools. Of the total 8,478 vacancies notified, around 2,989 are for Group C positions, which have drawn approximately 8.13 lakh applications. The remaining 5,489 Group D posts have attracted about 8.20 lakh applicants.
Education experts note that the figures reflect broader employment challenges, particularly among youth seeking stable jobs with defined pay structures and social security benefits. “Non-teaching posts may not always be in the spotlight, but they form the backbone of school administration and support systems,” said an education analyst based in Kolkata.
Importance of Group C and Group D Roles
Group C and Group D non-teaching staff play a crucial role in the functioning of government schools, handling administrative, clerical, and support responsibilities. Vacancies in these categories have long affected daily operations in many institutions, prompting repeated calls for timely recruitment.
Officials said the commission has been working to ensure that the examination process is conducted smoothly and transparently, given the scrutiny surrounding school recruitments in recent years.
Progress on Higher Secondary Teacher Recruitment
Alongside preparations for the non-teaching staff examinations, the WBSSC is also nearing completion of the recruitment process for Class XI and Class XII teachers. Officials said the commission is confident of publishing the final merit panel by January 21, in line with its self-imposed deadline.
The higher secondary recruitment process covers 12,445 teaching vacancies across the state. The written examination for these posts was conducted on September 14 last year, with results declared on November 7. Following this, a preliminary interview list was released on November 15.
Document verification for candidates across 35 subjects took place between November 18 and December 4. Interviews, which began on September 26, concluded on December 30, marking a key milestone in the selection process.
Counselling and Appointments Expected Soon
With interviews completed, officials indicated that centralised counselling for Class XI–XII posts is likely to begin by the end of January. This stage will involve subject-wise allocation of candidates to schools based on merit, vacancies, and reservation norms.
“Once counselling begins, appointments can follow without much delay, provided there are no legal or administrative hurdles,” a commission official said.
Teachers’ associations have welcomed the progress, though they have also urged authorities to ensure that appointment letters are issued promptly to address staffing shortages in higher secondary schools ahead of the new academic session.
Transparency and Timelines in Focus
The WBSSC has faced sustained public attention over recruitment timelines, making adherence to announced schedules a priority. Officials said efforts are being made to maintain transparency at every stage, from examination scheduling to publication of results and counselling.
For candidates preparing for the Group C and Group D exams, the coming weeks are expected to bring clarity on dates, examination centres, and admit card issuance. Education department officials have advised applicants to rely only on official notifications and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
Conclusion
As West Bengal prepares for a crucial phase in school recruitment, the likely scheduling of Group C and Group D examinations in early March marks a significant step forward. With lakhs of aspirants involved and parallel progress in higher secondary teacher appointments, the focus remains on timely execution and transparent processes.
A final announcement on examination dates is expected soon, offering much-needed certainty to candidates and helping schools move closer to filling long-pending vacancies. The coming months will be critical in determining how effectively the state addresses staffing needs across its education system.
