Record Turnout as 3.19 Lakh Candidates Sit for WBSSC Teacher Exam
West Bengal witnessed a record-breaking moment in education as 3.19 lakh candidates appeared for the School Service Commission’s (WBSSC) teacher recruitment exam. Held across 636 centers, the test was the first major recruitment exercise since the Supreme Court struck down over 26,000 jobs from a scandal-hit drive. For many, the exam was not just about employment but also about reclaiming dignity and restoring faith in a system once tainted by corruption.
Short Yet High-Stakes Test
The exam, lasting only 90 minutes, was conducted from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Though brief, the stakes were immense. Candidates poured into exam halls with nervous determination, aware that a single test could change their future. To ensure inclusivity, specially abled candidates were given an additional 20 minutes — a step widely welcomed.
Security at an All-Time High
With past controversies still fresh in public memory, the WBSSC took extra steps to safeguard fairness. A three-tier security system was rolled out, including naka checks, barcode scanning at entry points, and strict bans on mobile phones or electronic devices. Notably, exam supervisors themselves were barred from carrying gadgets. Each question paper carried unique security identifiers, and for the first time candidates were allowed to take home both their question papers and carbon copies of OMR sheets — a bold transparency measure.
Emotional Rollercoaster for Candidates
Beyond the numbers, the human stories stood out. One 55-year-old former teacher, whose appointment had been cancelled after the job scam, broke down in tears before entering the hall. She said that years of waiting and disrupted preparation had taken a toll, but she still came determined to try again. Many others echoed this mix of anxiety and hope, carrying the weight of years of uncertainty into a single exam session.
Political Undercurrents
The exam also carried political overtones. Candidates from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh appeared alongside those from Bengal, drawing criticism from opposition parties. Trinamool Congress leaders defended the inclusivity of the process, insisting that no one was harassed or denied entry. The BJP and CPI(M), however, accused the government of failing to protect opportunities for local aspirants. Allegations of “cut money” and mismanagement surfaced once again, proving that in West Bengal, education and politics remain closely intertwined.
Next Phase Already Scheduled
This was only the first round of the recruitment exercise. The second phase is set for September 14, when 2.46 lakh candidates will appear across 478 centers for assistant teacher posts in classes 11 and 12. The WBSSC has barred 1,806 tainted teachers from participation, signaling a commitment to accountability.
Administrative Support Behind the Scenes
The state government worked to ensure smooth logistics. Education Minister Bratya Basu reassured candidates that the administration stands firmly with them. The Kolkata Metro extended early services on both Blue and Green lines to help aspirants reach exam centres on time. Police presence outside halls and clear signage also ensured minimal confusion. These efforts were designed to rebuild trust, signaling that the system has learned from past mistakes.
A Step Toward Restoring Faith
For most candidates, the exam was not only about landing a job but also about regaining faith in a recruitment system that had collapsed under scandal. Carrying their question papers and carbon copies of answer sheets home gave many a sense of relief and empowerment. “At least this time, we know our answers won’t disappear,” one aspirant remarked.
Looking Ahead With Hope
The WBSSC exam stands as a test not just for candidates but for the credibility of West Bengal’s education system. If handled transparently, it could mark the beginning of a new era where opportunities are awarded fairly and without bias. For the 3.19 lakh candidates who sat for the test, the day was not just about questions and answers — it was about reclaiming hope after years of uncertainty.
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