The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) is all set to commence the Class 12 board exams from February 12. However, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has posed a significant logistical challenge, as a large number of teachers are tied up with election duties, leading to a shortage of invigilators. The Council requires an additional 7,000 guards this year to manage three simultaneous exam formats.

To prevent confusion among students of different systems, the Council has introduced color-coded question papers. Semester-4 students will receive white papers, Semester-3 (supplementary) will get yellow, and those appearing under the old syllabus will receive blue papers. Out of the 7.10 lakh candidates appearing this year, female students significantly outnumber male students by over 79,000.

Stringent security measures are in place, with 104 centers identified as ‘highly sensitive.’ Each venue will be equipped with two metal detectors. The Council has warned that any student found with a mobile phone or electronic gadget will face immediate cancellation of their entire examination. While Semester-4 exams are scheduled from 10 AM to 12 PM, Semester-3 exams will take place between 1 PM and 2:15 PM. The Council is holding a crucial meeting on Tuesday with District Inspectors (DIs) to finalize the deployment of staff.