The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has commenced the Higher Secondary (HS) Class 12 Semester III exams 2026 today with the language paper. Nearly 6.6 lakh students are appearing for the exam across the state.

The council has issued strict guidelines to ensure smooth conduct, including the use of CCTV monitoring, frisking at entry points, and prohibiting electronic devices inside the centres.
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has started the Higher Secondary (HS) Class 12 Semester III examinations 2026 today, beginning with the language paper. This marks a crucial stage for students, as Semester III is part of the restructured three-semester examination system introduced by the board to enhance continuous assessment.
A total of 6.6 lakh students are participating in the WB HS Semester III exams across various centres in West Bengal. The council has ensured extensive arrangements, including examination staff deployment, security protocols, and strict adherence to rules to maintain transparency.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | WBCHSE Higher Secondary (HS) Exam 2026 - Semester III |
| Conducting Body | West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) |
| Class / Level | Class 12 (Higher Secondary) |
| Students Appearing | Around 6.6 lakh |
| First Paper | Language Paper |
| Exam Centres | Across West Bengal |
The Semester III exams cover core and elective subjects. The first paper is Language (Bengali/English/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali, etc.), followed by:
Core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Commerce, and Humanities.
Electives & vocational papers depending on student streams.
The exam system is divided into three semesters:
The WBCHSE has implemented several measures to ensure a fair and transparent examination process:
Students across West Bengal expressed mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement before entering the exam halls. Many welcomed the semester-based structure as it reduces the burden of preparing for all subjects at once. Teachers also noted that this continuous evaluation system allows students to perform better with consistent preparation.
The introduction of semester-based assessments is aimed at:
Conclusion
The WBCHSE HS Exam 2026 Semester III has officially begun with the language paper for nearly 6.6 lakh students. The council has ensured strict security and fair practices for smooth exam conduct. Students are advised to follow guidelines carefully and focus on their preparation for upcoming papers to perform well in this critical stage of their higher secondary journey.