Education

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 8  : The results of the 2026 Madhyamik (secondary) examinations were officially declared on Friday by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, bringing relief and celebration to nearly a million students across the state. The announcement came just 84 days after the completion of the examinations, marking a relatively swift evaluation process this year.

Board President Ramanuj Ganguly, the overall pass percentage for the state stands at 82.83%, reflecting a steady academic performance across districts. He also noted that this year witnessed a higher participation of girl students compared to boys, with the total number of candidates exceeding 9.71 lakh.

The spotlight of this year’s results, however, firmly belongs to North Dinajpur district. Abhirup Bhadra, a student of Sarada Vidyamandir School in Raiganj, emerged as the state topper by scoring an impressive 698 marks out of 700, achieving a remarkable 99.71 percent. His exceptional performance has brought immense pride not only to his school but also to the entire district, where celebrations broke out soon after the announcement.

The merit list this year features 131 students, drawn from 83 schools across 19 districts of West Bengal, highlighting a wide geographical spread of academic excellence. Education officials noted that this diversity reflects improving educational standards across both urban and rural regions of the state.

District-wise performance, Kalimpong secured the highest pass percentage in the state, followed by Purba Medinipur in second place, while Kolkata ranked third. Officials suggested that consistent academic support systems and improved infrastructure in these regions may have contributed to their strong results.

The Board confirmed that students can immediately access their results through the official website. Schools have also begun distributing mark sheets and certificates within stipulated timelines, ensuring a smooth post-result process.

The achievement of Abhirup Bhadra has become a major talking point in Raiganj, with teachers, peers, and residents celebrating his success. Educationists have described his performance as a reflection of disciplined study habits and strong academic guidance, while also highlighting the growing competitiveness of secondary education in the state.