In a major development following the Supreme Court’s recent directive, the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has officially initiated the process for conducting a fresh examination to recruit teachers for state-run and state-aided secondary and higher secondary schools. The move comes after the apex court’s order on April 17, mandating the state government to begin a new recruitment process by May 31 and complete all appointments by December 31, 2025.
According to an official from the commission, the fresh recruitment drive formally commenced on Friday, signaling a new beginning after the tainted 2016 recruitment scandal rocked the state’s education system.
Supreme Court Mandate Sparks Action
The Supreme Court’s April 3 judgment had invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff made through the WBSSC’s 2016 panel, labeling the process as “vitiated and tainted.” The court held that the selection was plagued with irregularities, and directed the state to start afresh while ensuring transparency and accountability this time around.
However, in a relief to certain individuals, the Supreme Court extended services of those terminated teachers who were found untainted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe until December 31, 2025—giving the government time to restructure the recruitment system and ensure fair hiring practices.
What’s Changing This Time?
With lessons learned from the previous debacle, the SSC is now considering several pro-student and transparent measures, although their implementation will require the approval of the state government. These proposed reforms include:
- Issuing OMR sheet copies to candidates after the examination.
- Uploading model answer keys before the final results to allow self-assessment.
- Allowing challenges and objections from candidates regarding the answer keys.
These steps aim to improve transparency and restore public confidence in the recruitment process, which had been severely dented following the fallout from the 2016 scam.
Timeframe for Recruitment
As per the Supreme Court’s timeline, the recruitment process—including written examinations, evaluation, publication of results, and appointments—must be completed by December 31, 2025. The commission is under immense pressure to adhere to this deadline while ensuring the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
A WBSSC official emphasized, “We are committed to conducting the entire process in a manner that upholds merit and transparency. Candidates deserve clarity and fairness, and we’re working hard to make that a reality.”
The 2016 SSC Scam
The 2016 WBSSC recruitment drive was marred by allegations of corruption, favoritism, and procedural lapses, leading to widespread protests and legal action. A CBI investigation was launched, which revealed a deeply flawed and manipulated selection process. Following a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court struck down all appointments made under the 2016 panel, except for those found clean by the CBI.
This landmark decision has now paved the way for a fresh merit-based recruitment process, with strong judicial oversight expected to keep things on track.
What’s Next for Aspirants?
Thousands of teaching aspirants in West Bengal, many of whom have waited for years, now have a renewed opportunity to compete for positions in secondary and higher secondary schools. The commission is expected to announce the detailed exam schedule, application procedure, and eligibility criteria soon.
Candidates are advised to frequently visit the official SSC website and stay updated with official notifications to ensure they don’t miss any crucial deadlines or announcements.
The WBSSC’s fresh recruitment drive marks a critical chapter in the state’s educational history. It represents a chance to rebuild trust, uphold meritocracy, and restore dignity to the teaching profession in West Bengal. With the Supreme Court keeping a close watch, the commission now carries the weight of expectations from thousands of hopefuls—and the responsibility to get it right this time.
