Over 91% Turnout in Bengal SSC Teacher Recruitment Exam: A New Era for West Bengal’s Education Sector

 On September 7, 2025, West Bengal witnessed a historic moment in its education sector. More than 91% of the 3.19 lakh registered candidates appeared for the School Level Selection Test (SLST) conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to recruit assistant teachers for classes 9 and 10.

The exam, held across 636 centers statewide, was the first large-scale teacher recruitment in nearly a decade. It came after the Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling, which annulled over 26,000 tainted teaching and non-teaching jobs from the controversial 2016 recruitment.

The massive turnout, strict security, and participation of candidates from neighboring states underline not just the importance of this exam, but also the state’s renewed commitment to fairness and transparency in recruitment.

A Long-Awaited Recruitment Drive

The SLST aimed to fill 23,212 vacancies for secondary-level teachers, part of a broader recruitment plan to appoint 35,726 assistant teachers across secondary and higher secondary schools.

Secondary (Classes 9–10): 23,212 posts (exam held on Sept 7, 2025)

Higher Secondary (Classes 11–12): 12,514 posts (exam scheduled for Sept 14, 2025)


The 2016 recruitment process, riddled with corruption and irregularities, was scrapped by the Supreme Court in April 2025. As a result, thousands of legitimate teachers lost their jobs alongside those found guilty of malpractice. The court barred 1,806 tainted candidates from applying again, setting the stage for this much-watched 2025 exam.


Security and Transparency Like Never Before

To prevent any repeat of past scandals, the WBSSC adopted a three-tier security system for the exam:

Naka checking: Candidates were screened 100 meters away from centers.

Barcode scanning: Admit cards were verified electronically.

No gadgets rule: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators were strictly prohibited.

Unique question papers: Each paper carried barcodes and sets were alternated among candidates.

Frisking with privacy: Metal detectors were used, with separate enclosures for female candidates.

Transparency move: For the first time, candidates could take home their question papers and carbon copies of OMR sheets.


These steps, praised by candidates and observers alike, boosted confidence that the recruitment would be conducted fairly.


Who Appeared for the Exam?

Interestingly, the exam attracted over 31,000 candidates from outside Bengal, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, thanks to West Bengal’s open policy of allowing non-residents to apply.

This drew political reactions:

TMC leaders criticized BJP-governed states for failing to provide jobs to their youth.

BJP leaders defended cross-state participation as natural in India’s federal setup.

CPI(M) alleged that outstation candidates might be exploited for political or financial gains.


For candidates, however, the main draw was clear: a stable government job. Secondary teachers in Bengal earn about ₹38,760 per month, while higher secondary teachers earn around ₹50,000 per month.

The Struggles of “Untainted” Teachers

The Supreme Court’s annulment hit hardest the so-called untainted teachers—those who got jobs honestly in 2016 but lost them due to blanket cancellation.

To ease their hardship, WBSSC awarded 10 grace marks to these candidates, sparking mixed reactions. While many welcomed the move, some feared it might compromise merit-based selection.

Adding to the tension, allegations surfaced that 156 ineligible candidates still managed to get admit cards despite the ban on tainted applicants. This raised fresh questions about WBSSC’s execution.

Smooth Logistics and State Oversight

The state administration, led by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, ensured seamless coordination. Measures included:

Metro services starting early to help candidates reach centers.

Control rooms set up from 8 a.m. to monitor proceedings.

Strict timelines for sealed question paper delivery.

Special provisions for differently-abled candidates (20 minutes extra time).


Education Minister Bratya Basu extended best wishes to all candidates, emphasizing the government’s determination to keep the process fair and smooth.

Why This Exam Matters

The 2025 SLST is not just about jobs—it’s about rebuilding trust. After years of scandal, this recruitment marks a fresh beginning for the WBSSC and for thousands of schools facing teacher shortages.

The selection process is designed to be holistic:

Written exam: 60 marks

Academic qualifications: 10 marks

Teaching experience: 10 marks

Oral interview: 10 marks

Lecture demonstration: 10 marks


By focusing on both knowledge and teaching ability, the system aims to bring in skilled, motivated educators.

Looking Ahead: Higher Secondary Exam

The next big test comes on September 14, 2025, when 2.46 lakh candidates will compete for 12,514 higher secondary posts. If conducted with the same level of fairness, it could further cement WBSSC’s reputation for transparency.

The success of this recruitment drive may even serve as a model for other states, many of which struggle with stalled or compromised teacher recruitment.

Conclusion

The 91% turnout in West Bengal’s SSC Teacher Recruitment Exam for classes 9–10 is a strong message: aspirants are ready, the state is serious, and public faith can be rebuilt.

This exam is more than a test—it’s a promise of a new, transparent, and merit-based education system in Bengal. For thousands of hopefuls, it’s not just a career opportunity but also a chance to contribute to shaping the future of the next generation.