West Bengal Teachers: SC Extends Service for 15K ‘Untainted’ Staff

KOLKATA – The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for fresh teacher recruitment in West Bengal, allowing 15,403 “untainted” teachers to continue their service until August 31, 2026 . This decision, announced by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) on Friday, prolongs their employment beyond the initial December 31, 2025 cut-off. The extension aims to maintain educational continuity for students in state-sponsored and aided schools.

The situation stems from a widespread school jobs scam linked to the 2016 State Level Selection Test (SLST). The Supreme Court previously identified significant irregularities in the recruitment process. These included allegations of manipulated merit lists and candidates with lower scores being appointed over more qualified individuals. On April 3, the court cancelled the entire panel, leading to 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff losing their positions across schools for classes 9-12. This action created a significant vacuum in the state’s education system.

Following the scam revelations, the Supreme Court directed the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to arrange for fresh recruitment. The initial deadline for completing this process was set for December 31, 2025. During this period, 15,403 teachers, defined as “untainted” because their direct involvement in the irregularities was not proven, were permitted to remain in their roles.

Recruitment Deadline Extended to August 2026

Both the WBBSE and the state’s education department approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension. They requested that the fresh recruitment deadline be moved to August 31, 2026. The Supreme Court accepted this application on December 18 . This ruling extends the period for both completing new recruitments and the continued service of the “untainted” teaching staff.

Subrata Ghosh, Secretary of the WBBSE, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. He stated, “The not specifically tainted teachers of SLST 2016 are to continue till August 31. It is a forward-looking decision taken in the interest of the students and the school system of West Bengal.” The Board emphasized the importance of minimizing disruption to student learning.

Education Minister Bratya Basu also commented on the ruling. He asserted that the Supreme Court’s order reflects its confidence in the state’s Chief Minister. Basu further stated on X, “During this period, existing teachers will be allowed to continue working as before.” He added that the directive demonstrates the West Bengal Central School Service Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.

Update on Fresh Recruitment Process

The new recruitment drive, initiated in May, is progressing. A senior WBSSC official provided updates on the current status of the hiring process:

• Recruitment for teachers designated for Classes 11 and 12 is nearing its conclusion.
• Results for these teaching positions are anticipated by January 7 .
• Mandatory counselling sessions will follow the declaration of these results.
• The selection process for teachers teaching Classes 9 and 10 is scheduled for completion by March .
• Post-selection, counselling and other administrative procedures will be conducted for these candidates.

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