The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has introduced a semester system for class 11, starting from this academic year (2024-25) and for class 12 from the next academic year (2025-26) in all state-run and state-aided schools.
In an official announcement on April 18, 2024, WBCHSE president Chiranjib Bhattacharya declared about the implementation of this semester system. According to the announcement, board exams will be held after the completion of semesters 3 and 4. The notice has been sent to all school administrators and teachers regarding this new system.
Under the new system, the entire higher secondary or 10+2 education will be divided into four semesters: semester 1, semester 2, semester 3, and semester 4. Class 11 will be split into semesters 1 and 2, while class 12 will be redesigned as semesters 3 and 4 starting from the academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively.
This change is in accordance with the new state education policy that was revealed in August, 2023. The policy advises schools to offer students chances and support to undertake challenging coursework, extracurricular activites, and summer projects with higher educational institutions.
Moreover, the policy suggests offering internships during summer holidays, enabling students to delve into their interests by collaborating with corporate firms, publishing houses, and media organizations. It’s important to note that the new education policy keeps the current school framework of 4+4+2+2 intact. This implies that students will spend four years in the foundational stage, then another four years in upper primary (preparatory stage), and finally, two years in secondary education (classes 9 and 10).
