The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has issued a strict set of exam-day guidelines for candidates appearing in the upcoming Group C and Group D recruitment examinations. As per the latest instructions printed on the admit cards, candidates will not be allowed to wear covered shoes inside the examination centre. Instead, they must wear slippers or flat sandals.
The Commission has stated that this unique step has been taken to strengthen security and prevent the use of unfair means during the recruitment process. The exams are scheduled to be held on March 1 and March 8, 2026, across various centres in West Bengal.
Also Read: WBSSC Group C and D Syllabus 2026
WBSSC Group C, D Exam Guidelines 2026: Overview
Nearly 16 lakh candidates are expected to appear for these exams combined. With the state recently witnessing incidents of candidates concealing electronic devices in footwear during other board examinations, the WBSSC has implemented this strict measure. Candidates can check more details related to the WBSSC guidelines below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | WBSSC Group C & Group D Recruitment Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) |
| Posts | Group C (Non-Teaching Staff) & Group D (Staff) |
| Total Applicants | Approx. 16.33 lakh (Group C: 8.13L, Group D: 8.20L) |
| Key Restriction | Covered Shoes Banned; only slippers/flat sandals allowed |
| Exam Dates | March 1 & March 8, 2026 |
| Exam Shift | Single Shift: 12:00 PM onwards |
| Official Website | www.wbssc.gov.in |
Why Did WBSSC Mandate Slippers for the Exam?
The West Bengal School Service Commission has implemented the footwear rule to enhance security protocols and ensure a fair examination process.
- Security Screening: The SSC’s chairman, Siddhartha Majumdar, explained that covered footwear makes frisking difficult and could pose challenges for effective security screening at scale. He drew parallels with airport security checks, noting that similar precautions should be acceptable at examination halls.
- Preventing Unfair Means: The restriction is also aimed at preventing the concealment of mobile phones or other electronic gadgets inside shoes. This concern was heightened by recent allegations during the Madhyamik (secondary) and Higher Secondary exams in the state, where students were caught hiding devices in their footwear, potentially using them with AI tools to answer questions.
Also Read: WBSSC Group C and D Admit Card 2026
WBSSC Exam Dress Code and Prohibited Items 2026
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following dress code and list of prohibited items to gain entry to the examination centre.
Allowed Items (Essentials)
- Footwear: Only slippers, flip-flops, or flat sandals.
- Pen: Transparent pen.
- Water Bottle: Transparent water bottle.
- Admit Card: Valid WBSSC admit card (with photo and signature).
- ID Proof: A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
Strictly Prohibited Items
- Footwear: All types of covered shoes, boots, or formal leather shoes.
- Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, and any other electronic gadgets.
- Apparel/Wearables: Watches, jewellery (rings, chains, earrings), and any metallic items.
- Other Items: Any kind of paper, books, or study material.
WBSSC Exam Schedule and Timings 2026
The WBSSC Group C and D exams will be conducted in a single shift. The reporting time is crucial, and candidates must arrive early to complete the mandatory frisking, which will be more thorough due to the new footwear guidelines. Candidates can check the WBSSC Exam Schedule 2026 from the table below:
| Exam | Exam Date | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group C | March 1 & 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 01:50 PM | 1 hr 50 min |
| Group D | March 1 & 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 01:20 PM | 1 hr 20 min |
FAQs
Q1. Why are covered shoes banned in the WBSSC Group C and D exams?
Ans: The ban is a security measure to prevent candidates from concealing electronic devices like mobile phones or Bluetooth gadgets in their shoes, ensuring a fair examination process.
Q2. What kind of footwear is allowed for the WBSSC exam?
Ans: Candidates are only allowed to wear slippers, flip-flops, or flat sandals. Covered shoes of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Q3. Can I wear a watch or jewellery to the WBSSC exam centre?
Ans: No. The commission has barred candidates from wearing watches, jewellery, or any other metallic items inside the exam hall.
Q4. When will the WBSSC Group C and D exams be held?
Ans: The exams are scheduled to be conducted on March 1 and March 8, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM.
