Bengal: ‘Board’ papers that board never issued used in 100-plus schools

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district after more than 100 primary schools allegedly used question papers carrying the name of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) without the board’s authorisation, prompting the District Primary School Council (DPSC) to order an inquiry.

The controversy centres on the Second Periodic Evaluation 2026 question paper for Class 2 students. The words ‘West Bengal Board of Primary Education’ were prominently printed on the paper, followed by ‘Second Periodic Evaluation – 2026’.

The board, however, had neither prepared nor authorised the papers, according to the DPSC. The state's education department does not print or distribute question papers for periodic evaluations at the primary level. Schools are instead expected to prepare their own papers or procure them from private publishers.

The issue came to light after questions were raised over how papers bearing the name of a government board had reached schools across several educational circles in the district.

The secretary of the DPSC issued a directive on 4 August asking schools that used the papers to submit written explanations on where they obtained them and under what circumstances they were acquired. The council is examining whether government rules were violated and how unauthorised papers carrying the board’s name were circulated.

The matter has assumed greater significance amid allegations that the papers were printed and distributed by an RSS-affiliated teachers’ organisation. Critics have alleged that the papers were sold to schools and that some institutions which initially refused to purchase them were subsequently pressured into doing so. These allegations have not been established by the ongoing inquiry.

A senior school master, Mainak Das, said many schools had increasingly turned to externally prepared question papers because falling enrolment had made it costly to print examination materials themselves. “Publishers often supply ready-made papers at a lower cost than photocopying them independently. However, using the name of the board without permission is an entirely different matter,” he said.

Teacher leader Shankhashubhra Bandyopadhyay, zonal secretary of the ABPTA (All Bengal Primary Teachers Association) and a teacher at Abhirampur Primary School, alleged that politically affiliated organisations were seeking to exert greater influence over the education system.

“Ever since the BJP came to power, the RSS has begun establishing direct and indirect control over the education sector. Many schools in the district have effectively been compelled — out of fear — to purchase their question papers. What is astonishing is that they printed these papers using the name of the Board of Education, which is a legal offence.”

The allegations regarding pressure on schools have not been confirmed by the DPSC.

The RSS-affiliated teachers’ organisation accused of distributing the papers has not directly responded to the allegations. Anjan Dandapath, a district leader of the organisation, declined to comment. “I will comment after consulting the higher leadership,” he said.

Educationists said the alleged unauthorised use of the board’s name was more serious than the routine use of privately prepared examination material. The board’s name carries official authority, they pointed out, and its unauthorised use could mislead schools, teachers, students and parents.

Questions have also been raised over whether schools adequately verified the authenticity of the papers before using them. The DPSC is expected to examine the circumstances in which schools obtained and accepted the question papers, as well as whether any rules were breached.

The controversy has also revived concerns over political influence in schools, with Opposition-backed teacher organisations alleging that politically affiliated groups are attempting to gain greater control over educational institutions. Those claims, too, remain unsubstantiated.

For parents and teachers, however, the immediate concern is the integrity of the examination system. The use of unofficial question papers carrying the name of a government board raises questions not only about who printed and distributed them, but also about how they were allowed to reach classrooms in more than 100 schools.