WBP SI Category Change Window 2026: The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) has issued an important notice for candidates in the Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch) and Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch) in West Bengal Police – 2024 recruitment. Under Notice No. WBPRB/NOTICE-2026/20 (SI_WBP_24), dated 29 October 2026, candidates who appeared in the Final Combined Competitive Examination can now change, modify or update their reservation category online from 2 November to 6 November 2026.
This window has been opened after the Backward Classes Welfare (BCW) Department, Government of West Bengal issued a new State List of OBCs with 66 classes (Notification No. 945-BCW/MR-23/2026, dated 18 May 2026) for 7% reservation in state government services and posts.
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WBP SI Category Change Window: Overview
This update matters a lot for OBC-A and OBC-B candidates. Those who do not update their OBC class according to the new list will be treated as Unreserved (UR), even if their community is on the new list. In this article, we explain who needs to update, the rules for each category, the step-by-step process and other key details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) |
| Recruitment | Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch) and Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch) in West Bengal Police – 2024 |
| Notice Number | WBPRB/NOTICE-2026/20 (SI_WBP_24) |
| Notice Date | 29 October 2026 |
| Purpose | Category change / update as per the new State OBC List (66 classes) |
| Who Can Use It | Candidates who appeared in the Final Combined Competitive Examination |
| Category Change Window | 2 November 2026 to 6 November 2026 |
| Mode | Online only (offline petitions not accepted) |
| Verification | OTP on registered mobile number and email ID |
| Official Websites | prb.wb.gov.in, wbpolice.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| BCW Department notification on new OBC list (66 classes) | 18 May 2026 |
| WBPRB notice on category change | 29 October 2026 |
| Category change window opens | 2 November 2026 |
| Category change window closes | 6 November 2026 |
Who Needs to Update Their Category? Rules Explained
The WBPRB notice sets out separate rules for different groups of candidates:
| Candidate Group | What to Do | What Happens If Not Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) candidates | May change their category if they hold a valid certificate for the new category | Will continue as UR |
| Candidates who applied as OBC-A or OBC-B | Must update their OBC class according to the new State List of 66 classes | Will be treated as UR, even if their class is on the new list |
| Candidates who applied as UR/EWS but later updated to OBC-A/OBC-B | Must update their OBC class according to the new list | Will be treated as UR if excluded from the new list or if not updated |
| Candidates excluded from the new OBC list of 66 classes | May switch to EWS if they meet all EWS criteria in the Information to Applicants | Will be treated as UR |
Key Points to Remember
- OBC candidates must act: Updating is compulsory for every OBC-A and OBC-B candidate. Without the update, the OBC benefit will be lost.
- Earlier petitions do not count: Candidates who have already sent petitions to WBPRB by email, by post or in person must still update their category through the online link.
- No offline requests: The Board will not accept any offline petition by post or email for category updates.
- Certificate needed: Change your category only if you hold a valid certificate for the category you choose. Certificates will be checked at document verification.
- EWS option: Candidates whose community has been dropped from the new OBC list can move to EWS only if they meet every EWS condition, such as the income and asset limits, given in the Information to Applicants.
How to Change Category in WBP SI 2024 Application
The link will be available on the WBPRB and West Bengal Police websites from 2 November 2026. Follow these steps:
- Visit prb.wb.gov.in or wbpolice.gov.in.
- Click on the link for “Category change / update – Recruitment to the posts of Sub-Inspector (UB & AB) in West Bengal Police – 2024”.
- Log in with your application details, such as your application number or registration ID and date of birth.
- Select your new or updated category. OBC candidates must choose their class from the new list of 66 OBC classes.
- Enter the certificate details as asked.
- Submit the details. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.
- Enter the OTP. The updated information will appear on screen.
- Check all the details carefully:
- If everything is correct, click CONFIRM.
- If anything is wrong, click CANCEL to go back and make changes from the start.
- Take a screenshot or printout of the confirmation for your records.
Tip: Make sure your registered mobile number and email ID are active, since the update cannot be confirmed without the OTP. Do not wait until 6 November, as the window is open for only five days.
Why Has WBPRB Opened This Window?
On 18 May 2026, the West Bengal government’s Backward Classes Welfare Department notified a new State List of OBCs containing 66 classes for 7% reservation in state government jobs. Some communities that were earlier classified as OBC-A or OBC-B may not be on the new list, and the classification of others may have changed.
Since the WBP SI 2024 recruitment is at an advanced stage, WBPRB is giving candidates a chance to bring their category in line with the latest list before the final results are prepared. This ensures reservation benefits go only to eligible candidates under the current OBC list.
Also Read: Kolkata Police Constable Mains Exam Date 2026 Out: Check Schedule, Admit Card and Exam Pattern
WBP SI 2024 Recruitment: Background
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Posts | Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch) and Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch) |
| Total Vacancies | 464 (as reported) |
| Current Stage | Post-final exam (Final Combined Competitive Examination completed) |
Selection Process
- Preliminary Examination (screening)
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) (qualifying)
- Final Combined Competitive Examination: Paper I General Studies and Arithmetic (100 marks), Paper II English (50 marks) and Paper III Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali (50 marks)
- Personality Test
- Document verification and medical examination
The category each candidate selects in this window will be used to prepare category-wise merit lists. During document verification, candidates will have to produce the original certificate for the category they chose.
FAQs
Q1. When is the WBP SI category change window open?
From 2 November 2026 to 6 November 2026.
Q2. Who can change their category?
Candidates who appeared in the Final Combined Competitive Examination for WBP SI (UB & AB) 2024.
Q3. Is updating compulsory for OBC candidates?
Yes. OBC-A and OBC-B candidates must update their class according to the new list of 66 OBC classes, or they will be treated as Unreserved.
Q4. My community is not in the new OBC list. What can I do?
You can update your category to EWS if you meet all the EWS criteria. Otherwise, you will be treated as UR.
Q5. I already sent a petition by email. Do I still need to update online?
Yes. All candidates, including those who sent petitions earlier, must update through the online link. Offline petitions will not be considered.
Q6. Can UR candidates change to a reserved category?
Yes, if they hold a valid certificate for that category.
Q7. How will I confirm the update?
An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number and email. After entering it, check the details and click CONFIRM.
