WBHRB has revised the selection process for various recruitments (GDMO, Staff Nurse, MT, Pharmacist). CBT introduced with 85 marks, Interview 15 marks. CBT tentatively Dec 2025-Jan 2026. Check new pattern & dates.
The West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) has issued a crucial notice regarding the revised selection process and examination pattern for various recruitment advertisements, including those for GDMO, Staff Nurses, Medical Technologists, and Pharmacists. This notification, dated 03.11.2025, announces the introduction of a Computer Based Test (CBT) for shortlisting candidates, replacing the previous system that allotted marks for ‘Qualification’ and ‘Experience’. Candidates who applied for these recruitments must note the significant changes in the marks distribution and the upcoming CBT schedule.
What Changed in WBHRB Recruitment Selection Process
The West Bengal Health Recruitment Board has modified the marks distribution pattern for shortlisting candidates for interviews and preparing the overall performance list for several ongoing recruitments. The key changes are as follows:
| Particulars | Earlier Provision (As per Advertisements) | Revised Provision (As per Latest Notice) |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Stage | Based on Qualification, Experience, and Interview | Based on Computer Based Test (CBT) and Interview |
| Marks for Qualification | Allotted (Specific details in original advertisement) | No marks will be allotted |
| Marks for Experience | Allotted (Specific details in original advertisement) | No marks will be allotted |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) Marks | Not mentioned as a primary shortlisting criteria | 85.00 Marks |
| Interview Marks | Allotted (Specific details in original advertisement) | 15.00 Marks |
This change impacts all candidates who applied under Advertisement Nos. R/GDMO/6/2025, R/Staff Nurses, Gr. II/GNM/7/2025, R/Staff Nurses, Gr. II/Basic & Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing/8/2025, R/Medical Technologist (various disciplines) Grade III/9/2025, R/Medical Technologist (OT)/(Critical Care) Grade-III/10/2025, and R/Pharmacist Grade III/11/2025, all dated 07.08.2025.
Reason for Change
The Board has decided to conduct a Computer Based Test (CBT) to ensure a standardized and objective shortlisting process for candidates who will then be called for an interview. This new approach aims to streamline the selection for the aforementioned recruitment drives.
Revised Exam Pattern & Scheme of CBT
Candidates appearing for the WBHRB CBT should be aware of the following examination scheme:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks of CBT | 100 Marks |
| Total Questions | 50 Questions |
| Marks per Question | 2 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.5 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer |
| Normalization | Marks will be normalized if CBT is held in more than one shift |
| Scaling of Marks | Marks obtained out of 100 will be scaled down by multiplying actual marks by 0.85 to determine the final marks out of 85. |
| Time Duration | 60 Minutes |
Syllabus for CBT
The detailed syllabus for the Computer Based Test (CBT) for each of the advertisements (Sr. No 1 to 6) is available in the Notice Section of the official WBHRB website. Candidates are advised to regularly check the website for updates.
Tentative CBT Dates & Further Notifications
The Computer Based Test (CBT) for these recruitments is tentatively scheduled to be held during December 2025 – January 2026. The exact date(s) of the CBT will be notified by the Board in due course on its official website.
Action Required from Candidates
- Review the New Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the revised marks distribution and the CBT exam pattern.
- Prepare for CBT: Start preparing for the Computer Based Test, focusing on the syllabus available on the official WBHRB website.
- Monitor Official Website: Regularly visit the official website of the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (
https://www.hrb.wb.gov.in) for exact CBT dates, admit card release, and any further updates. - No Re-application Needed: This notification is an update to existing advertisements; no re-application process is mentioned.
Preparation Tips for WBHRB CBT
Given the introduction of a CBT, candidates need to adapt their preparation strategy. Here are some general tips:
Effective Study Plan
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus provided on the WBHRB website for your specific post.
- Time Management: Allocate dedicated time for each subject and topic. Create a daily or weekly study schedule.
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on understanding core concepts rather than rote memorization, especially for technical subjects.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers (if available for similar exams) and practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
CBT Specific Strategy
- Online Mock Tests: Practice taking online mock tests to get accustomed to the computer-based format and time constraints.
- Negative Marking: Be mindful of the negative marking (0.5 marks for each wrong answer). Avoid wild guessing.
- Speed and Accuracy: The 60-minute duration for 50 questions requires good speed. Practice to answer questions quickly and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which recruitments are affected by this notice?
A: This notice affects candidates who applied for Advertisement Nos. R/GDMO/6/2025, R/Staff Nurses (GNM & B.Sc. Nursing), R/Medical Technologist (various disciplines), and R/Pharmacist Grade III, all dated 07.08.2025.
Q2: What is the main change in the selection process?
A: The main change is the introduction of a Computer Based Test (CBT) with 85 marks, and the interview carrying 15 marks. Marks for ‘Qualification’ and ‘Experience’ will no longer be allotted.
Q3: When will the CBT be conducted?
A: The CBT is tentatively scheduled during December 2025 – January 2026. Exact dates will be notified on the official WBHRB website.
Q4: What is the exam pattern for the CBT?
A: The CBT will have 50 questions, each carrying 2 marks, for a total of 100 marks. There will be a negative marking of 0.5 marks for each wrong answer. The duration of the test will be 60 minutes.
Q5: Where can I find the detailed syllabus for the CBT?
A: The detailed syllabus for the Computer Based Test for each advertisement is available in the Notice Section of the official WBHRB website: https://www.hrb.wb.gov.in.
Q6: Do I need to apply again due to this change?
A: No, the notice does not mention any re-application process. This is an update to the selection methodology for existing applications.
Q7: How will the marks be calculated for shortlisting?
A: The CBT marks will be out of 85, after scaling down from 100 marks (by multiplying actual marks by 0.85). These 85 marks, combined with 15 marks from the interview, will form the basis of the overall performance list.
Q8: What should I do to stay updated?
A: Candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official website of the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (https://www.hrb.wb.gov.in) for the latest announcements, exact exam dates, and admit card information.