Increased Applications for Teaching Positions in West Bengal
The number of applications for teaching positions in state-run schools in West Bengal has seen a significant increase, with the figures nearly doubling in 2025 compared to 2016. This surge comes despite the challenges posed by corruption allegations that led to the annulment of the previous recruitment process.
According to data from the enlistment authorities, approximately 5.9 lakh candidates applied for the 35,726 assistant teacher posts at secondary and higher secondary levels in state-run and state-aided schools. This is a notable jump from the 3.16 lakh applications recorded in 2016. The online application portal, which was launched as per Supreme Court directions on June 16, closed on July 21, marking the end of the initial phase of the recruitment drive.
Recruitment Process and Legal Mandates
The Supreme Court had mandated the West Bengal government and the School Service Commission (WBSSC) to complete the recruitment process before December 31 this year. The court’s directive followed the annulment of the 2016 recruitment panel, which was deemed “tainted and vitiated” beyond redemption. As a result, 25,753 appointments of teachers for Classes 9-12, along with non-teaching Group C and Group D staff, were nullified.
The WBSSC Chairman, Siddhartha Majumdar, confirmed that around 5.8-5.9 lakh candidates have applied for the assistant teacher posts. In 2016, the numbers were lower, with 1.41 lakh applicants for classes 9-10 and 1.75 lakh for classes 11-12.
Impact of Previous Corruption Allegations
Despite the legal and administrative hurdles, the number of applications has surged. This is attributed to the fact that many teachers who were not found to be involved in the corruption scandal have taken the initiative to reapply. Out of 17,206 teachers, 15,403 were identified as “not found to be specifically tainted” and were allowed to continue in service until the new recruitment process is completed.
However, some disgruntled teachers, who lost their jobs due to the apex court’s verdict, have expressed reluctance to take part in the fresh recruitment tests. They claim eligibility based on their past appointments but feel that the current process is unfair.
Legal and Administrative Developments
On May 30, the WBSSC issued a notification for the recruitment of 35,726 assistant teachers in Classes 9-12 in state-aided and state-run schools, following the Supreme Court’s directive. The court had earlier asked the state government to file a compliance affidavit on the initiation of the recruitment process by May 31.
In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court dismissed appeals by the SSC and the state government to allow ‘ineligible and tainted’ candidates to participate in the new recruitment process. This decision reinforced the court’s stance on ensuring transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
Reactions from Teacher Forums
Chinmoy Mondal, an office bearer of the Deserving Teachers Rights Forum, highlighted that the forum had advised eligible teachers not to sit for the fresh test after passing the 2016 exams. However, another member of the forum noted that while they have not submitted fresh applications, many others might have done so following the High Court order barring the tainted teachers and non-teaching staff from applying again.
This situation reflects the complex interplay between legal mandates, administrative actions, and the aspirations of educators seeking stable employment in the state’s education system. The increased applications indicate a strong interest in the available positions, despite the challenges faced by the sector in recent years.
