The first Higher Secondary examination conducted under the newly introduced semester system created difficulties for mathematics students after it was discovered that questions worth 10 marks were not included in the prescribed syllabus.

Following objections raised by students, guardians, and teachers, the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education convened a meeting with subject specialists. The Council decided that students who attempted the disputed questions would receive full marks. Council president Chiranjib Bhattacharjee stated that protecting students’ interests remains the top priority and assured that careful monitoring would be maintained to ensure no candidate is unfairly affected.

Some students and educators also expressed concern that the short preparation period for the fourth semester added significant pressure, especially as this was the first year of the semester-based format.

A student from Hare School explained that the examination was challenging and that considerable time was spent attempting a question that fell outside the syllabus, leaving insufficient time to try another unfamiliar problem.

Similar concerns were voiced by many other students. Several parents pointed out that, given this was the first examination under the new system, the paper could have been more accessible. They noted that a number of students left the disputed questions unanswered.

Chandan Garai, secretary of the All Graduate Primary Teachers Welfare Association (AGPTWA), said the association had earlier urged the Council to provide clear subject-wise guidelines to question setters to prevent such issues, particularly because of the significant change in the examination pattern.