The West Bengal School Service Commission (WB SSC) has issued revised guidelines for candidates appearing in the upcoming Group C and Group D recruitment examinations, mandating the use of slippers or sandals instead of covered shoes inside exam centres. The written examinations are scheduled for March 1 and March 8, 2026, across approximately 1,700 centres in the state.
According to SSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar, the restriction on covered footwear aims to ensure smoother frisking procedures and prevent unfair practices. He stated that shoes like boots could facilitate concealment of mobile phones or electronic devices, thereby compromising the integrity of the examination process. Admit cards containing the updated instructions have already been released on the official WB SSC website.
Why Has WB SSC Banned Covered Shoes?
The decision follows recent incidents during board examinations where candidates allegedly hid electronic devices inside footwear and used artificial intelligence tools to answer questions.
Majumdar remarked, “If you oblige airport security by taking off covered shoes, why object to the restriction in examination halls?” emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency.
The Commission clarified that the move is part of broader measures to prevent malpractice, enhance security checks, and maintain fairness during the recruitment exams.
WB SSC Group C & D Exam Dates 2026
- Group C Exam: March 1, 2026
- Group D Exam: March 8, 2026
- Total Candidates Expected:
- Group C: Over 8.13 lakh
- Group D: Around 8.20 lakh
List of Banned Items Inside Exam Centres
WB SSC has also issued strict instructions regarding prohibited items. The following are not allowed inside the examination hall:
- Covered shoes/boots
- Jewellery and metallic objects
- Wristwatches
- Electronic gadgets (mobile phones, smart devices, calculators, etc.)
Allowed Items:
- Transparent pens
- Transparent water bottles
Candidates found carrying banned items will be required to deposit them at designated counters before entry. Any candidate caught with prohibited materials may face cancellation of candidature.
Quick Reference Summary
| Exam Details | Information |
| Conducting Body | West Bengal School Service Commission (WB SSC) |
| Exams | Group C & Group D Recruitment |
| Exam Dates | March 1 & March 8, 2026 |
| Footwear Rule | Slippers or sandals only |
| Banned Items | Jewellery, metallic objects, wristwatches, electronics |
| Expected Candidates | Over 16 lakh combined |
| Exam Centres | Approx. 1,700 across West Bengal |
Candidates’ Concerns
The footwear directive has drawn criticism from some aspirants, especially those travelling long distances, who expressed inconvenience in managing slippers outside crowded exam centres. However, the Commission maintains that the policy is necessary to uphold examination integrity.
Security & Transparency Measures
WB SSC has reiterated its commitment to conducting fair, transparent, and malpractice-free recruitment examinations. Enhanced frisking procedures, strict entry rules, and monitoring systems will be implemented at all centres to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Why has WB SSC banned covered shoes in exams? |
| To prevent concealment of electronic devices and ensure smooth frisking procedures. |
| What footwear is allowed in WB SSC exams? |
| Only slippers or sandals are permitted inside exam halls. |
| When will WB SSC Group C and D exams be held? |
| Group C on March 1, 2026, and Group D on March 8, 2026. |
| Are wristwatches allowed in the exam hall? |
| No, wristwatches are strictly prohibited. |
| What items are allowed inside the exam centre? |
| Only transparent pens and transparent water bottles. |
| What happens if a candidate carries banned items? |
| They must deposit them outside; possession inside may lead to candidature cancellation. |
| How many candidates are expected to appear? |
| Over 8 lakh for each exam, totaling more than 16 lakh candidates. |
| Where can candidates check revised instructions? |
| On the official WB SSC website via their admit cards. |
With over 16 lakh candidates expected for the WB SSC Group C and Group D recruitment exams, the Commission’s new security measures—including the mandatory slippers directive and banned items list—aim to uphold transparency and fairness. Candidates are advised to carefully read the revised instructions on their admit cards and strictly adhere to the guidelines. For official updates, visit the WB SSC official website and bookmark this page for further recruitment notifications, for more details CLICK HERE
