BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor
By Neeraj KumarÂ
Patna: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), also known as Bihar Board has completed all preparations for the Intermediate Annual Examination 2026. Board Chairman Anand Kishore said that a total of 13,17,846 candidates will appear for the examination across 1,762 centres statewide.
The Intermediate examinations will be held from 2 to 13 February 2026, with papers conducted in two shifts each day. The board has issued strict guidelines and taken several key decisions to ensure that the examination is conducted in a fair, transparent and malpractice-free manner.
Strict Entry Timings and Zero Tolerance
The BSEB has directed that the main gate of each examination centre will be closed 30 minutes before the start of the exam. Candidates have been advised to reach their centres at least one hour in advance. Latecomers will not be permitted entry under any circumstances.
The first shift will begin at 9.30 am, while the second shift will commence at 2.00 pm. Any attempt to gain forcible or illegal entry into an examination centre will be treated as a criminal offence, inviting legal action. Strict action will also be taken against centre superintendents or staff found aiding such attempts.
Administrative Oversight and Control Room
To ensure smooth conduct of the examinations, necessary instructions have been issued to all District Magistrates (DMs) and SSPs/SPs. The Education Department has appointed nodal officers in every district.
A 24×7 control room has been set up for rapid information exchange and grievance redressal, operational from 6 am on 1 February to 6 pm on 13 February. The control room contact numbers are 0612-2232257 and 0612-2232227. Special WhatsApp groups have also been created for coordination between districts.
Criminal Action for Illegal Entry
Chairman Anand Kishore reiterated that under the state government’s zero-tolerance policy, no irregularity or malpractice will be tolerated. If any candidate attempts to enter a centre after the gate closure by climbing walls or using force, it will be treated as criminal trespass. Such candidates will be debarred from all BSEB examinations for two years, and an FIR will be lodged. Officials or staff found complicit will face suspension and legal action.
Enhanced Surveillance and Security Measures
To safeguard the integrity of the examination, the board has introduced digital surveillance, multiple sets of question papers, CCTV cameras, two-level frisking, and continuous monitoring through the control room. These measures aim to make the examination process more secure and transparent than ever before.
Candidate Statistics
According to BSEB data, a total of 13,17,846 candidates will appear for the Intermediate Examination 2026, including 6,75,844 girls and 6,42,002 boys, with the number of girl candidates exceeding boys.
In Patna district, 73,963 candidates will appear for the examination—38,037 girls and 35,926 boys—across 84 examination centres. Administrative preparations in the district have been completed to ensure a peaceful and malpractice-free examination.
Unique ID, Question Paper Sets and Exam Pattern
The board chairman said that every candidate has been issued a BSEB Unique ID, a system in place since 2023 to improve identification and record management. Question papers in all subjects will be available in 10 set codes (A to J) to minimise the chances of cheating.
As per the exam pattern, 50 per cent of the questions will be objective-type. For instance, in a 100-mark paper, there will be 50 objective questions, with candidates provided 100 one-mark questions, of which only 50 are to be attempted.
Reading Time and Facilities for Divyang Candidates
Candidates will be given an additional 15 minutes in the examination hall to read and understand the question paper, answer book and OMR sheet.
Special facilities have been arranged for Divyang (persons with disabilities) candidates. Those unable to write on their own will be provided a scribe (writer) on request, or they may bring their own. Additionally, Divyang candidates will be given 20 minutes of extra time per hour.
Ban on Electronic Devices
The board has issued strict security instructions, including two-level frisking of all candidates. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, pagers, electronic pens, smart watches and magnetic watches are strictly prohibited inside examination halls. CCTV surveillance and videography have been made mandatory at all centres to closely monitor all activities.
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