WBCHSE HS 2026 Third Semester Exam Routine. The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has ushered in a new era for Class 12 students with the introduction of a semester-based system. For the academic session 2025-26, the WBCHSE Higher Secondary (HS) third semester exams are a critical milestone for students aiming to excel in their board examinations. This article provides a detailed overview of the WBCHSE HS 2026 third semester exam routine, the new exam rules, and essential tips for students to prepare effectively.

WBCHSE HS 2026 Third Semester Exam Routine

The WBCHSE has officially released the third semester exam routine for the Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations, scheduled to take place from September 8 to September 22, 2025. These exams will be conducted in offline mode, following a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format, with answers to be marked on OMR sheets. The exams are designed to promote holistic thinking and reasoning among students, as stated by WBCHSE President Chiranjib Bhattacharya.

Key Details of the Third Semester Exam Schedule

WBCHSE HS 2026 Third Semester Exam Routine Official

Students can download the official WBCHSE HS third semester routine 2026 in PDF format from the official website, wbchse.wb.gov.in, under the “Notifications” or “Latest Updates” section. The detailed subject-wise schedule is also available on various educational portals like inspiria.edu.in for easy access.To download the routine:

1. Visit wbchse.wb.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the “Notifications” section.
3. Click on “Routine of Supplementary Examination of Semester III (Higher Secondary Examination, 2026)”.
4. Download and save the PDF for reference.

This schedule allows students to plan their preparation strategically, focusing on subjects scheduled earlier in the exam cycle.

New Exam Rules for WBCHSE HS 2026

The WBCHSE has introduced significant changes to the Higher Secondary examination system, fully adopting the semester system starting from the 2025-26 academic session for Class 12. Here are the key updates and rules students need to know:

1. Semester-Based System

• The Higher Secondary curriculum is now divided into four semesters, with the third and fourth semesters being critical for Class 12 students.
• Semester 3 (September 2025) will feature MCQ-based exams to assess reasoning and analytical skills.
• Semester 4 (February 12 to February 27, 2026) will include Short Answer Questions (SAQ) and Descriptive Questions (DQ) to test writing abilities.
• Cumulative grades from both semesters will determine the final HS results, expected to be announced by the end of October 2026.

2. OMR Sheets and Transparency

• In a groundbreaking move, WBCHSE has decided to publish scanned OMR sheets of the third semester exams online on the official website, wbchse.wb.gov.in, shortly after the exams. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and allow students to review their answer sheets for an early indication of their performance.
• Students must ensure accuracy while marking OMR sheets, as errors could affect their scores.

3. Passing Criteria

• To pass the WBCHSE HS exams, students must secure a minimum of 30% marks in each of the five mandatory subjects (two language subjects and three elective subjects) in both theory and practical/project components.
• The sixth subject is optional, and passing in vocational subjects is not mandatory but cannot be used for interchange benefits in case of failure in a compulsory subject.

4. No Calculators Allowed

• Calculators are strictly prohibited during any examination under the semester system, including practical exams. Students must rely on their problem-solving skills and manual calculations.

5. Admit Card Requirements

• Students must collect their WBCHSE HS admit cards from their respective schools, typically available 30-45 days before the exams (around early August 2025 for the third semester).
• Carrying the admit card to the exam hall is mandatory. Failure to do so will result in students being barred from appearing for the exam.

6. New Subjects Introduced

• The WBCHSE has introduced modern, career-oriented subjects for the 2025-26 session, including:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Science of Well-Being
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
• These subjects aim to align the curriculum with industry demands and prepare students for emerging career paths.

7. Supplementary Exam Opportunities

• Students who fail to clear the third semester exams can appear for supplementary exams, the schedule for which will be announced on the official WBCHSE website. This provides an opportunity to improve scores without losing an academic year.

Tips for Students to Prepare for WBCHSE HS Third Semester 2026

To excel in the MCQ-based third semester exams, students need a strategic approach. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Download the latest WBCHSE HS syllabus 2025-26 from wbchse.wb.gov.in to identify key topics and chapters for each subject.
2. Practice with OMR Sheets: Since the third semester exams are MCQ-based, practice filling out OMR sheets to avoid mistakes during the actual exam. Familiarize yourself with the format and practice time management.
3. Solve Previous Years’ Papers: While the semester system is new, practicing sample MCQ papers and previous years’ question papers can help you understand the question patterns and difficulty level.
4. Focus on Time Management: With only 1 hour 15 minutes for most exams, practice solving questions quickly and accurately. Prioritize subjects scheduled earlier in the routine.
5. Stay Updated: Regularly check wbchse.wb.gov.in for any updates on exam dates, syllabus, or guidelines. Subscribe to notifications on educational portals like shiksha.com or inspiria.edu.in for instant updates.
6. Maintain a Healthy Routine: Balance study time with rest, exercise, and a healthy diet to stay focused and reduce exam stress.

Why the Semester System Matters?

The shift to a semester system aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and makes West Bengal the first state to fully implement this system at the Higher Secondary level. The system aims to:

• Reduce exam pressure by distributing assessments across two semesters.
• Promote continuous learning and evaluation.
• Offer flexibility through supplementary exams and the option to retain the best scores from multiple attempts.

This progressive approach prepares students for a dynamic academic and professional landscape, with new subjects like Artificial Intelligence and Data Science opening doors to high-demand careers.

What’s Next After the Third Semester?

After completing the third semester exams in September 2025, students should immediately begin preparing for the fourth semester, scheduled for February 12 to February 27, 2026. The fourth semester will focus on descriptive questions, requiring strong writing and analytical skills. Additionally, students should start exploring undergraduate courses and career options. Popular choices after WBCHSE HS include:

• Science Stream: B.Sc. in Data Science, Biotechnology, or Computer Science
• Commerce Stream: BBA in Digital Marketing, B.Com in Accounting
• Arts Stream: B.A. in Media Science, Psychology, or Sociology

Conclusion

The WBCHSE Higher Secondary third semester exam routine for 2026, scheduled from September 8 to 22, 2025, marks a significant step in West Bengal’s education reform. With the new semester system, MCQ-based exams, and transparent OMR sheet publication, students have a unique opportunity to excel in a modernized evaluation framework. By staying informed about the exam schedule, adhering to the new rules, and preparing strategically, students can confidently navigate the WBCHSE HS 2026 exams.For the latest updates, visit wbchse.wb.gov.in and download the official routine PDF. Start your preparation early, stay focused, and take advantage of the new system to achieve your academic goals!