The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has officially published the exam schedule for the Higher Secondary (HS) Examination 2026, specifically for candidates appearing under the old annual system. The routine, released on 7th May 2025, applies to:
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Students who failed in the HS 2025 examination
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Candidates who missed the exam due to valid reasons and are eligible to reappear under the previous system
Whether you're preparing for your final exams or planning what lies ahead, this guide will walk you through the updated timetable, preparation tips, and career options after Class 12.
At a Glance: HS Exam 2026 Overview
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Exam Name |
Higher Secondary Examination (HS) |
The conducting body |
The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE). |
Academic Session |
2025–26 |
Exam Format |
Old Annual/Yearly System |
Routine Release Date |
7th May 2025 |
Exam Start Date |
12th February 2026 |
Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Official Website |
wbchse.wb.gov.in |
WBCHSE HS 2026 Exam Routine (Old System)
Date |
Day |
Time |
Subjects |
---|---|---|---|
12-02-2026 |
Thursday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Santhali, Odia, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi |
13-02-2026 |
Friday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Alternative English |
17-02-2026 |
Tuesday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Physics, Nutrition, Education, Accountancy |
18-02-2026 |
Wednesday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Vocational Subjects: Healthcare, Retail, IT & ITeS, Tourism, Construction, Plumbing, etc. |
19-02-2026 |
Thursday |
10:00 AM–1:15 PM |
Agronomy, History, Psychology, Anthropology, and Mathematics |
20-02-2026 |
Friday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Political Science, Business Studies, Biology |
21-02-2026 |
Saturday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Statistics, Geography, Costing & Taxation, Home Management |
23-02-2026 |
Monday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Chemistry, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, French, Journalism, Mass Media |
24-02-2026 |
Tuesday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Economics |
25-02-2026 |
Wednesday |
10:00 AM – 1:15 PM |
Computer Science, Modern Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Environmental Studies, Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts |
27-02-2026 |
Friday |
10:00 AM–1:15 PM |
Commercial law, sociology, philosophy, and auditing preliminary |
Note: For subjects such as Physical Education, Music, and Visual Arts, the duration of the exam will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
How to Download the HS 2026 Routine PDF
To access the official routine:
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Visit the WBCHSE website: wbchse.wb.gov.in
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Look for the “Notifications” section on the homepage.
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Click on the link titled “Routine of Higher Secondary Examination 2026 (Old Annual System)”
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The PDF will open in a new window.
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Download and save the document for reference.
Study Plan and Preparation Tips for HS Exam 2026
To make the most of your preparation time, follow these practical tips:
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Create a Realistic Study Schedule: Allocate daily time slots for each subject based on difficulty and upcoming exam dates.
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Focus on Core Subjects: Give extra attention to subjects that have higher marks weightage or are particularly difficult for you.
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Solve Past Year Papers: Practice from previous years to understand the question pattern and improve time management.
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Get Expert Help When Needed: Consider joining a home tutoring program for focused and personalised guidance.
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Take Regular Mock Tests: Weekly tests under timed conditions will help track your progress.
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Avoid Cramming: Instead of last-minute preparation, focus on daily revision and concept clarity.
What to Do After the HS Exams?
It's time to consider your future after the examinations are completed. Here are some popular academic and skill-based paths you can explore.
Academic Degree Courses
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Bachelor of Arts (BA)
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Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
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Bachelor of Science (BSc)
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
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Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
Skill-Based and Career-Oriented Courses
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Data Analytics
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Digital Marketing
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Graphic and Web Designing
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Hospitality and Hotel Management
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Nursing and Paramedical Studies
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Mass Communication and Journalism
The National Institute of Home Tutors offers one-on-one academic support, counselling sessions, and entrance coaching for students looking to transition smoothly after their Class 12 results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the HS 2026 exams begin?
The WBCHSE HS 2026 exams under the old annual system will start on 12th February 2026 and conclude on 27th February 2026.
2. How can I download the WBCHSE HS 2026 routine?
Go to the Notifications area of the official website, wbchse.wb.gov.in, to view the routine.
3. What is the bare minimum score needed to pass?
To pass, a student needs to receive at least 30% in each topic, including theoretical and, if relevant, practical.
4. Who is eligible to appear under the old system?
Students who either failed the 2025 HS exams or missed them due to valid circumstances are eligible.
5. What subjects are included in the 2026 routine?
The routine covers language papers, core subjects (like Physics, Maths, Political Science), vocational subjects, and modern electives like AI and Data Science.
6. Is the HS exam difficult?
With timely preparation, proper guidance, and regular practice, the exam is manageable. The key is to stay consistent.
7. Can I change my academic stream after HS?
Yes. Many degree courses accept students from different streams. For example, a science student can pursue BBA or BA in Journalism, depending on interest and eligibility.
8. What are the best career options after HS?
Some top options include BCA, BBA, Mass Communication, Data Science, Hospitality Management, and Design.
9. How does a home tutor help in exam preparation?
A home tutor offers personalised teaching, clears doubts effectively, provides regular assessments, and helps in subject-specific revision.
10. What if I fail in the 2026 HS exam?
You might be qualified to reappear during the following session. Speak with your school authorities or WBCHSE for detailed guidelines.
11. Should I study all subjects every day?
No. Prioritise upcoming subjects and rotate through others for balance. Include revision days and rest breaks in your routine.
12. How many hours a day should I study for HS exams?
Studying for 5 to 7 focused hours daily is ideal. It’s not just about duration, but about consistency and effective understanding.