Archive · 27 Jul 2026
West Bengal to appoint 5,298 special educators
The West Bengal government plans to hire 5,298 special educators for government-aided schools.
These educators are trained to help students with different learning needs.
The hiring process has been delayed because of a disagreement over how many seats should be reserved for OBC (Other Backward Classes) students.
The previous government wanted 17% of seats reserved, but the current government has reduced it to 7% after a court decision.
The Supreme Court has ordered the state to fill these teaching positions by a certain deadline.
Other teacher hiring processes are also affected by this reservation issue.
West Bengal government to appoint 5,298 special educators in government-aided schools.
Recruitment process stalled due to uncertainty over OBC reservation policy (17% vs. 7%).
Supreme Court ordered states to complete appointments within 12 weeks from March 28, 2025.
Recruitment for special educators at primary and upper primary levels awaits clarification on reservation policy.
Appointment of around 35,000 teachers for secondary and higher secondary schools also delayed due to OBC quota issue.
- Who
- West Bengal government, School Service Commission, West Bengal Board of Primary Education
- What
- Appointment of 5,298 special educators in government-aided schools
- When
- Recruitment process to resume soon; Supreme Court deadline for appointments is 12 weeks from March 28, 2025
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To address the need for special educators trained to teach students with diverse learning needs and comply with Supreme Court orders
OBC Reservation Supporters
OBC Reservation Opponents
OBC Reservation Policy
OBC Reservation Supporters
Support the 17% OBC reservation, arguing it ensures fair representation and opportunities for the backward classes.
OBC Reservation Opponents
Oppose the 17% OBC reservation, favoring the revised 7% quota as it aligns with recent court orders and ensures a more balanced approach.
- Number of Special Educators to be Appointed
- 5,298
- Levels of Education
- Primary (Classes I-V), Upper Primary (Classes VI-VIII), Secondary (Classes IX-X), Higher Secondary (Classes XI-XII)
- Current Status of Recruitment
- Stalled due to uncertainty over OBC reservation policy
- Supreme Court Deadline for Appointments
- 12 weeks from March 28, 2025
- Impacted Recruitments
- Special educators and around 35,000 teachers for secondary and higher secondary schools
- Recent Government Action
- Withdrew appeal challenging Calcutta High Court's order reducing OBC reservation to 7%