The two-phase SSC teacher recruitment examination—one of the largest recruitment drives in the state’s education sector—will involve approximately 5.8 lakh candidates across West Bengal. According to SSC sources, the recruitment exam for classes 9 and 10 will take place on September 7, while the exam for classes 11 and 12 is scheduled for September 14.
This announcement arrives shortly after the Supreme Court verbally remarked on Thursday that the examination could be postponed “if the commission so wishes.” However, the state administration, along with the Commission, has asserted that postponement is not viable under the current circumstances. The key reason cited is the Supreme Court’s previous directive that all teachers and education staff—except those specifically declared ineligible—are permitted to continue in their respective roles until December 31, 2025.
Educational administrators and policymakers argue that deferring the examination would complicate recruitment timelines severely, especially with Durga Puja festivities approaching at the end of September. The accompanying holidays would further delay the publication of results and the initiation of the recruitment process. If recruitment is not completed within the stipulated time, the state may face a severe shortfall of teachers and educational personnel starting January 2026.
Given this time-sensitive scenario, the Commission has determined to stay the course, emphasizing the importance of completing the recruitment process within the court-mandated service continuation window. Administrative machinery has been mobilized at the highest level to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
In a high-level meeting convened at Nabanna on Friday, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant reviewed examination preparedness and directed district authorities to implement strict measures for a fair and secure examination process. District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police were instructed to enforce robust arrangements, with an Additional District Magistrate (ADM)-rank officer assigned in every district to supervise operations and logistics.
With the government’s focus now firmly set on ensuring transparency and security in the recruitment process, the upcoming SSC exams are poised to take place on the scheduled dates, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its educational infrastructure.
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