West Bengal SSC School Level Selection Test Sees Over 3 Lakh Candidates
Overview of the West Bengal SSC SLST
On September 7, approximately 319,000 candidates participated in the West Bengal SSC School Level Selection Test (SLST). This examination took place at 636 designated centers throughout the state, under stringent security measures. This was the inaugural teacher recruitment exam organized by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) following the Supreme Court's decision in April to annul over 26,000 government school positions due to irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process.
Exam Details and Security Measures
The examination commenced at noon and concluded at 1:30 PM, with candidates with disabilities receiving an extra 20 minutes. Strict security checks were enforced at the entrance of the centers prior to the start of the recruitment process for assistant teachers for grades 9 and 10. Notably, candidates from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh also took part in this exam.
Entry Protocols
A comprehensive three-tier security system was established at the exam venues, which included Naka checks 100 meters away from the site, along with multiple inspections at the entry points. Candidates were permitted entry into the examination hall only after thorough verification. To ensure security, all candidates were instructed to arrive at the centers by 10 AM, two hours prior to the exam start time. Barcode scanners were utilized to validate admit cards at the entrance, and only pens were permitted inside.
Prohibitions and Transparency Measures
Restrictions Imposed
The use of electronic devices and mobile phones was strictly forbidden. Even supervisors and SSC officials were not allowed to carry mobile phones into the examination hall. To monitor any potential malpractice, WBSSC incorporated unique identification features in each question paper.
For the first time, candidates were permitted to take their question papers and a carbon copy of their OMR sheets home, a move aimed at enhancing transparency. Many first-time candidates remarked that the questions were straightforward, while others believed they could have performed better with more preparation.