Summary
In a significant move, the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has announced that calculators will no longer be permitted in Higher Secondary (Class 11 and 12) exams starting from 2026.
This change aligns with the introduction of the semester system and is aimed at preparing students for national-level competitive exams where calculators are typically not allowed.
In a significant move, the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has announced that calculators will no longer be permitted in Higher Secondary (Class 11 and 12) exams starting from 2026.
“Henceforth, the students/examinees must not carry/bring calculators into the examination hall/venue premises during the examinations of any semester of class XI and XII(both theory and practical examinations),” the official notification specifically states. This change aligns with the introduction of the semester system and is aimed at preparing students for national-level competitive exams where calculators are typically not allowed.
The 2025 Higher Secondary examination will be the last to follow the old syllabus, where students will still be allowed to use calculators. However, from 2026 onwards, as the new syllabus and semester system take effect, students will have to rely on their problem-solving skills without the aid of calculators.
Chiranjib Bhattacharya, the President of the WBCHSE, indicated that the decision to ban calculators was made to align with national competitive exams and other board exams across India, where calculators are not typically permitted. The council aims to ensure that students are better prepared for these challenges by encouraging them to develop their problem-solving skills without relying on calculators.
To address concerns, the council has assured that the new semester-based question papers will be designed in a way that minimizes the need for calculators. For subjects that traditionally require complex calculations, the necessary values will be provided within the question paper itself.
Despite this assurance, some educators, particularly those teaching science and commerce, have expressed concerns. They believe that the ban on calculators could pose challenges for students, especially those in mathematics and related fields, where calculators are an essential tool for solving intricate problems.
As the education system undergoes these changes, students and teachers alike will need to adapt to the new examination format, focusing on strengthening core concepts and calculation skills without relying on electronic aids.
Last updated on 30 Aug 2024
