After months of waiting, pharmacy aspirants in West Bengal finally have a confirmed examination date. The West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) has scheduled the Pharmacist Grade III Computer Based Test (CBT) for January 14, 2026, bringing clarity to one of the state’s most anticipated health-sector recruitments this year.
The notice, issued through a memo dated November 21, marks the first major update since the recruitment was announced in August. The exam will fill posts under the Health & Family Welfare Department, a sector that has seen rising demand for trained pharmacists across government hospitals and health centres.
Total 350 vacancies will be there to fill up with this exam. Earlier in August 2025, WBHRB had invited Diploma or Bachelor degree in Pharmacy recognized by the Government of West Bengal, to apply for these positions.
Candidates Welcome the Clarity
With the date now officially fixed, pharmacy graduates say they can finally shift from “waiting mode” to dedicated preparation. Many coaching centres and online communities have already begun sharing expected question patterns, revision plans and mock tests to help candidates make the most of the limited time left.
“This announcement removes a lot of uncertainty. Now we can plan our studies properly,” said a final-year B.Pharm student from Kolkata who is preparing for the exam.
Details Yet to Come
While the exam date is confirmed, WBHRB is expected to release additional details including test centres, reporting times, and candidate instructions, in the coming weeks. Only candidates whose applications have been marked as approved by the board will be eligible to appear.
Officials have urged applicants to check the WBHRB portal regularly to avoid missing important updates, especially as the exam nears.
A Crucial Recruitment for the Health Sector
The Pharmacist Grade III selection is one of the largest state-level pharmacy recruitments in 2025–26. With government hospitals expanding their workforce and prioritising essential services, the upcoming CBT is seen as a key step in strengthening medical infrastructure across districts.
Health-sector observers note that the exam could witness exceptionally high turnout, as government pharmacist posts have seen a surge in interest due to job stability and professional growth prospects.
What’s Next?
Over the next few weeks, the board is expected to release admit-card download information and city-wise test allocations. Candidates say they are hoping for early release of exam guidelines so that they can plan travel and logistics without last-minute confusion.
For now, the announcement of the January 14 exam date has already created momentum among aspirants and institutions alike, signalling the beginning of the final countdown for the state’s next batch of government pharmacists.
