Over 9.7 Lakh Students to Sit for Madhyamik Exam 2026 Across West Bengal
The Madhyamik Exam 2026 is set to commence on Monday across the state, with nearly one million students expected to appear. Authorities have put in place extensive administrative and security measures to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations, which are among the most significant academic milestones for Class X students in West Bengal.
According to official figures, a total of 9,71,340 candidates have registered for the examination this year. The candidate pool reflects a strong participation of female students, who number 5,44,606, while 4,26,733 male students and one transgender candidate will also take part. Examinations will be held at 2,682 centres spread across districts.
Strict Ban on Electronic Devices
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has reinforced its rules prohibiting the use or possession of electronic devices inside examination halls. Students are not allowed to carry mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, wireless earphones, or any similar electronic gadget.
Board officials have stated that violation of this rule will lead to immediate cancellation of the candidate’s examination and confiscation of the device. The restriction also applies to teachers and staff members on duty, except for designated officials who may carry phones solely for official communication purposes.
Education authorities say the measure is intended to maintain fairness, prevent malpractice, and uphold the integrity of the examination process.
Guidelines on Permitted and Prohibited Items
Only essential materials approved by the Board will be allowed inside the examination hall. These include admit cards, registration certificates, pens, and basic stationery required for writing the exam. Students may use transparent clipboards, but opaque folders or items that cannot be checked easily are not permitted.
Water bottles, bags, and other personal belongings must be kept outside the examination rooms. Cloakroom facilities have been arranged at centres to store such items securely.
Rules on Movement During Madhyamik Exam 2026
Candidates must remain inside the examination hall for at least the first one hour and 15 minutes after the start of the paper. They are not allowed to leave the room during this period under any circumstances.
If a student needs to step out temporarily after the permitted time, both the answer script and question paper must be handed over to the invigilator. Those leaving the hall before the exam ends must submit all materials and will be able to collect the question paper only after the examination concludes.
Officials say these steps are meant to prevent question paper leaks and ensure orderly conduct.
Security and Surveillance Measures
To strengthen monitoring, all examination centres are equipped with CCTV cameras. Video footage will be stored for at least 30 days as part of the Board’s compliance and review procedures.
In certain districts, additional screening measures are being introduced. Metal detectors may be used where required, and such checks are already planned in districts including Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, and Dakshin Dinajpur.
Accountability in Case of Disruptions
Authorities have also issued warnings regarding vandalism or damage to examination infrastructure. If any such incident occurs, the cost of repairs may be recovered from the concerned institution. Results of students involved in disruptions could be withheld until the matter is resolved.
Board Urges Students to Follow Instructions
WBBSE President Ramanuj Ganguly said that examination rules and instructions were communicated well in advance through test examination documents and admit cards. The Board has appealed to students to remain calm, follow guidelines carefully, and focus on their performance.
With large-scale coordination between the Board, district administrations, and school authorities, the state aims to conduct the Madhyamik Examination 2026 in a disciplined and transparent manner.
