The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has introduced a semester-based examination system for Classes XI and XII, replacing the traditional annual exam pattern. This reform aims to reduce exam stress, ensure continuous evaluation, and improve learning outcomes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the new system.

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West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester System Calculation-Click here

Implementation Timeline

• Class XI: Introduced from the 2024-25 academic session (current batch follows the semester system).
• Class XII (HS): Will be implemented from the 2025-26 academic session.
  • The 2025 HS exams (held earlier this year) were the last under the annual system.
  • The 2026 HS batch will be the first to follow the semester-based exams.

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Class XII (HS) Semester Structure (2025-26 Onwards)

1. Semester III (First Semester of Class XII)

• Exam Dates: September 8–22, 2025
• Question Pattern: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marks Distribution:
  • Practical-based subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, etc.):
    • Theory: 35 marks
  • Project-based subjects (Languages, History, Political Science, Economics, etc.):
    • Theory: 40 marks
  • Arts & Vocational Subjects (Music, Visual Arts, etc.):
    • Theory: 20 marks (out of 50 total theory marks for the year)

2. Semester IV (Second Semester of Class XII)

• Exam Dates: February 12–27, 2026
• Question Pattern: Short Answer Questions (SAQs) & Descriptive Questions (DQs)
• Marks Distribution:
  • Practical-based subjects:
    • Theory: 35 marks
    • Practicals: 30 marks (conducted at the end of Semester IV)
  • Project-based subjects:
    • Theory: 40 marks
    • Project: 20 marks (submitted at the end of Semester IV)
  • Arts & Vocational Subjects:
    • Theory: 30 marks (out of 50 total theory marks for the year)
    • Practicals: 50 marks

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Key Features of the New System(West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester System)

✅ Continuous Assessment – Reduces reliance on a single high-stakes exam.
✅ Balanced Evaluation – Combines MCQs (Semester III) and descriptive writing (Semester IV).
✅ Second-Chance Opportunity – Students can improve performance across two semesters.
✅ Practical & Project Focus – Encourages hands-on learning and application-based testing.

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Passing Criteria & Grading

• Minimum Passing Marks: 30% in both theory and practical/project for each subject.
• Subjects Required:
  • Two language subjects (e.g., Bengali/English + another language).
  • Three elective subjects (Science/Commerce/Arts stream subjects).
• Final Grade Calculation: Cumulative performance in Semester III + Semester IV.

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Special Cases & Adjustments

• Health & Physical Education: 70 marks (theory) + 30 marks (practical).
• Vocational Subjects: 50 marks (theory) + 50 marks (practical).
• Music & Visual Arts: 50 marks (theory) + 50 marks (practical).

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Advantages of the Semester System

✔ Reduced Exam Burden – Syllabus divided into manageable parts.
✔ Holistic Learning – Encourages regular study habits.
✔ Fair Evaluation – Tests both objective (MCQs) and subjective (writing) skills.

Challenges

❌ Frequent Exams – Some students may find multiple assessments stressful.
❌ Adjustment Period – Teachers and students need time to adapt.

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Conclusion

The West Bengal Higher Secondary Semester System is a significant step toward modernizing West Bengal’s higher secondary education. By balancing MCQ-based assessments with descriptive exams, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation while reducing year-end pressure. Students appearing for the 2026 HS exams will be the first to experience this new format.

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