West Bengal Board of Secondary Education


Sample papers,PYQ, Exam Dates, Syllabus of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education

The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, commonly known as WBBSE, is the state education board responsible for conducting secondary-level examinations and managing academic activities for schools in West Bengal. It plays a vital role in setting academic standards, preparing curricula, publishing textbooks, and conducting the Class 10 Madhyamik Pariksha, which is one of the most significant examinations for students in the state. Established to improve the quality of school education, the board ensures that students across government and private schools affiliated with it receive uniform guidelines and structured syllabi.

WBBSE designs the curriculum to balance both traditional and modern learning methods. Subjects range from core disciplines like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science to languages, which include Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and other regional languages. This broad range of subjects gives students a well-rounded foundation and helps them build a strong base for higher education. The board also updates its syllabus regularly to align with the changing trends in education and national standards, ensuring students remain competitive at the national level. The Madhyamik examination conducted by WBBSE is an important milestone for every student. It not only assesses their learning at the secondary stage but also determines eligibility for higher secondary education. The board is known for its structured and systematic approach to examinations, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and quality evaluation. Every year, lakhs of students from various districts of West Bengal appear for this exam, making it one of the largest state-level examinations in India.

In addition to examinations, WBBSE also emphasizes teacher training, the introduction of innovative teaching methods, and the use of modern learning tools in classrooms. The board actively works towards reducing the gap between urban and rural education by ensuring that schools in all regions of West Bengal have access to the same syllabus, textbooks, and guidelines. It also publishes sample question papers, academic calendars, and guidelines to help students and teachers prepare effectively. The contribution of WBBSE to the education sector of West Bengal has been immense. By maintaining academic consistency, conducting examinations with discipline, and encouraging holistic learning, it has shaped the academic journey of millions of students. With continuous reforms and a student-focused approach, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education remains central to the educational framework of the state and continues to guide young learners towards academic excellence and career growth.

WBBSE Board Resources

Find Model Papers, Syllabus, PYQs of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education

Type of exam conducted by WBBSE

Exam Conducted by WBBSE Details
Name of Exam Madhyamik Pariksha (Class 10 Board Examination)
Level Secondary level (Class 10)
Frequency Conducted once every year, usually in February
Subjects Covered - First Language (Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/other regional languages) - Second Language (generally English) - Mathematics - Physical Science - Life Science - History - Geography - Optional/Elective subjects
Exam Pattern Written examination with descriptive and structured questions; practical components for some science subjects
Duration Generally, 3 hours per subject
Marking Scheme Subject-specific marks, with both theory and practicals (where applicable)
Significance Determines eligibility for admission to higher secondary education (Class 11–12)
Evaluation Process Strict, transparent, and uniform across all affiliated schools
Recent Updates Focus on reducing rote learning, more emphasis on analytical and comprehension skills, introduction of model papers and updated guidelines
Impact Acts as the first major milestone in a student’s academic journey, influencing higher education and career choices

Subject-wise marks distribution table for the WBBSE Madhyamik Pariksha (Class 10 Board Exam):

Subject Full Marks Theory Marks Practical/Project Marks Duration
First Language (Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Other regional language) 100 90 10 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Second Language (English/Other approved language) 100 90 10 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Mathematics 100 90 10 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Physical Science 100 90 10 (practical/project) 3 hours
Life Science 100 90 10 (practical/project) 3 hours
History 100 90 10 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Geography 100 90 10 (map/project work) 3 hours
Optional/Elective Subject (if applicable) 50–100 (varies) As per subject guidelines Practical/Project where required Varies

Key Points:

  • Most subjects carry 100 marks, with a 90:10 split (theory: internal/practical).

  • The duration of each paper is usually 3 hours.

  • Practical components are included in Science and Geography, while language and social science subjects carry internal/project assessments.

  • The final result is based on the aggregate of all subjects, and passing in each subject is mandatory.

Subject-wise marks distribution table for the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) Class 12 Exam


Subject Full Marks Theory Marks Practical/Project Marks Duration
First Language (Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali/Other) 100 80 20 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Second Language (English/Alternative English) 100 80 20 (internal assessment) 3 hours
Mathematics 100 80 20 (internal/project) 3 hours
Physics 100 70 30 (practical) 3 hours (theory) + practical hours
Chemistry 100 70 30 (practical) 3 hours (theory) + practical hours
Biology 100 70 30 (practical) 3 hours (theory) + practical hours
Computer Science (optional) 100 70 30 (practical) 3 hours
History 100 80 20 (project work) 3 hours
Geography 100 70 30 (practical/project) 3 hours
Political Science 100 80 20 (project work) 3 hours
Economics 100 80 20 (project work/statistics) 3 hours
Accountancy 100 80 20 (project work) 3 hours
Business Studies 100 80 20 (project work) 3 hours
Optional/Vocational Subjects 50–100 As per the subject Practical/Project varies Varies

Key Highlights:

  • Full marks for each subject: 100 (except for some optional/vocational subjects).

  • Most subjects follow an 80 + 20 (theory + project/internal) pattern.

  • Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Computer Science) follow a 70 + 30 (theory + practical) split.

  • Language subjects and Humanities subjects generally follow the 80 + 20 system.

  • The duration of written papers is 3 hours each, while practicals are conducted separately.

  • Results are based on aggregate marks across all compulsory and elective subjects, with division and grading applied accordingly.

Combined grading/marks division table for both WBBSE Class 10 (Madhyamik) and WBCHSE Class 12 (Higher Secondary):


Percentage / Marks Range Division / Grade Remarks
90% and above Outstanding / Star Mark Top achievers, distinction level
75% – 89% First Division Excellent performance
60% – 74% First Division Very good performance
45% – 59% Second Division Good, above average
30% – 44% Pass Division Minimum qualifying marks
Below 30% Fail Does not qualify

Key Notes for Both Class 10 & Class 12 (WBBSE & WBCHSE):

  • Pass Mark per Subject: Minimum 30% in both theory and practical/project (where applicable).

  • Overall Pass Requirement: Students must pass each subject individually as well as secure the required aggregate.

  • Star Marks / Distinction: Generally awarded to students scoring 75% and above in aggregate.

  • Class 10 Madhyamik & Class 12 HS both follow this broad grading pattern, though detailed result sheets also show subject-wise marks.