West Bengal Board of Secondary Education – Overview, Exams, Syllabus & Resources

1.0Introduction

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) is the state board responsible for education up to Class 10 in West Bengal. This board sets the syllabus, approves textbooks, and arranges the main Class 10 board exam, also called the “Madhyamik Exam”.

This page will help you understand what WBBSE does, how your exams will be, what the syllabus is and how you can use valuable resources to prepare well.

2.0Quick Facts About the WBBSE

• Full Name: West Bengal Board of Secondary Education
• Established Year: 1951 (as board)
• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Official Website: wbbse.wb.gov.in
• Key Exams: Madhyamik Pariksha (Class 10 board exam)

3.0History & Background of WBBSE

The WBBSE was created to manage and run the Class 10 board exams in West Bengal. Earlier, students did matriculation exams under the University of Calcutta, but in 1951 the secondary education was taken over by the WBBSE. Over the years it has grown to cover many schools in West Bengal, setting up the syllabus, publishing textbooks, and arranging the board exam every year. It helps students finish Class 10 and move on to higher secondary (Class 11-12) or vocational streams.

4.0Latest Updates / Notifications by the WBBSE

• WBBSE has released the date sheet for Madhyamik exam 2026 routine: The exams will be conducted from Feb 2 to Feb 12 2026

5.0Role & Functions of the WBBSE Board

The WBBSE Board holds several important roles and functions in the academic domain, including:

• Setting up and approving the syllabus for classes up to 10.
• Conducting the Madhyamik (Class 10) board examination.
• Publishing textbooks and study materials.
• Recognising and affiliating schools under its control.
• Announcing results and maintaining records of student performance. 

6.0Major Examinations Conducted

• Madhyamik Pariksha (Class 10): Once a year in February (for most cases) in languages (English, Bengali, Hindi etc), Maths, Science, Social Science.
• For lower classes:  the board does not conduct a board exam every year for those classes across all schools. However, the syllabus and textbooks for these classes are set by WBBSE and schools follow internal exams.

7.0Syllabus & Textbooks

The board provides a syllabus for all subjects in Class 10 (and earlier classes) so that you know what topics to study. Textbooks are also published or approved by WBBSE and schools distribute these in the medium of instruction (Bengali / English / Hindi as applicable).

For example, according to the WBBSE Class 10 Syllabus, you will study First Language, Second Language, Mathematics, Life Science, Physical Science, History, Geography and an optional subject.

8.0Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The exams are usually conducted for a period of 3 hours with an additional 15 minutes provided for reading through the question paper and plan the student’s answer writing. Subjects like Science may include practicals and others will most liely be theory

Note: The exact marks and format can differ each year; check your school’s detailed syllabus for your class and medium. The board pattern includes both objective (MCQ/short answer) and descriptive questions.

9.0Important Dates & Exam Calendar

10.0Eligibility & Application Process

Students can be admitted to any school affiliated to the WBBSE to be part of the WBBSE curriculum. However, for class 10 students, if they are:

• Regular students: If you are studying in a school affiliated with WBBSE, your school will register you for the board exam in Class 10.
• Private/ex-school candidates: If you are not studying in a regular school or you left school and want to appear as a private candidate, you need to apply through the board’s process (check the official website for forms and deadlines).
• Make sure all your details (name, roll number, school, medium) are correct. Schools also verify forms.
• Pay any required fees and submit documents by the given date (your school office will guide).

11.0Resources for Students

• Previous Year Question Papers: Practice past exams to understand question types and time-management.
• Model Papers: These are sample papers prepared by the board or schools to help you practice.
• Answer Keys: After solving model or past papers, use answer keys to check yourself and improve.
• Study Tips / Preparation Strategy:
• • Make a study schedule: allocate time for each subject every day.
  • Focus on understanding key concepts rather than memorising.
  • Solve model papers under timed conditions.
  • Revise regularly, especially weaker subjects.
  • Maintain good health and sleep well during exam season.