The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) is facing questions over the future of the semester-based examination system introduced for Classes 11 and 12, following concerns raised by teachers and school authorities about its implementation.The four-semester structure was introduced as part of a revised approach to higher secondary education, moving away from the traditional annual examination pattern. The system was designed to assess students at regular intervals and encourage a more continuous approach to learning.However, the new format has also brought operational and academic challenges, particularly for government and aided schools. Teachers and headmasters have raised concerns over limited teaching time, the pressure of completing the syllabus and the additional administrative work involved in conducting examinations more frequently.
No official word yet on scrapping semester system
There is currently no official announcement from the WBCHSE stating that the semester system will be discontinued or that the Council will return to the earlier annual examination pattern.While the system is reportedly being reviewed amid concerns over its functioning, any decision on changes to the existing examination structure will have to be formally announced by the Council.Students and parents are advised to rely only on official WBCHSE notifications for updates regarding the Higher Secondary examination pattern.
Teachers flag compressed teaching schedule
One of the major concerns surrounding the semester system is the shorter time available for classroom teaching. School authorities have pointed out that the academic calendar must now accommodate multiple examinations, evaluation work and the uploading of marks.This, teachers say, leaves less time for explaining difficult concepts, conducting remedial classes and completing practical or laboratory work.The challenge is more pronounced in schools facing staff shortages or infrastructure constraints. Rural and government-aided schools, in particular, may find it difficult to manage the academic and administrative requirements of a semester-based system within a limited time frame.
Concerns over student pressure and dropouts
Education authorities have also raised concerns about the transition of students from Madhyamik, or Class 10, to the Higher Secondary level.The frequent examination cycle and the need to cover the syllabus within shorter academic terms could add to the pressure on students, especially those who require additional academic support. Concerns have also been raised about students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, for whom the transition to Classes 11 and 12 can already present several challenges.The impact of the semester system on student participation and continuation in higher secondary education is therefore likely to remain an important factor in any review of the examination structure.
Examination workload adds to schools’ responsibilities
The semester system has also increased the administrative workload for schools. Conducting examinations at regular intervals involves question paper preparation, evaluation, result processing and uploading marks to the relevant systems.Teachers’ associations and school heads have argued that this additional work can affect the time available for regular teaching and student support.The review of the system is expected to focus on whether schools have sufficient time, staff and resources to implement the new structure effectively.
WBCHSE Higher Secondary examination pattern
Under the existing Higher Secondary assessment structure, subjects generally include a combination of theory and project or practical marks.For several language, humanities and commerce subjects, students are assessed through 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for projects, making a total of 100 marks. Science and certain other practical-based subjects generally carry 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical work.Subjects such as Music and Visual Art have a larger practical component, while Health and Physical Education also includes both theory and practical assessment.For now, the WBCHSE has not announced a return to the annual examination system. Any revision to the semester structure will become clear only after an official decision by the Council. Until then, students should continue to follow the examination and academic guidelines issued by the WBCHSE and their respective schools.
