Newz Desk, Durgapur: College Street in Kolkata continues to be a hub for students and teachers hunting for the iconic ABTA test papers, whose demand remains undiminished even 88 years after their first publication. The distinctive red-and-yellow covers have remained largely unchanged over the decades, symbolizing continuity and trust in academic preparation.
Though prices have naturally increased—from around ₹50–60 in earlier times to ₹170–180 today—students and parents continue to seek out the papers. Bookstore owners note that while other publishers now produce similar test papers, ABTA’s version remains affordable and highly preferred among learners.
Founded in 1921, the All Bengal Teachers’ Association (ABTA) began publishing test papers in 1937, long before India’s independence. Over the years, the papers have been used by countless students and notable educators, making them a respected educational tool. ABTA’s general secretary, Sukumar Pine, emphasized the papers’ legacy, stating, “The ABTA test paper has always been a separate identity. Even now, the demand is strong.”
Earlier, ABTA included question papers from government and other schools in its publications. However, a government directive later prohibited the use of official school papers. Pine clarified, “There is no politics in our test papers. Students from all backgrounds use them purely for practice. We comply with government rules regarding school question papers.”
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ABTA ensured uninterrupted publication. The association now distributes its 11-form test papers statewide on the same day, improving access for students in distant locations. Pine added, “We always try to keep prices as low as possible. There was a time when people queued outside our office to get the papers. Now, we release them across the state in a single day.”
Despite price increases and evolving regulations, the ABTA test paper remains a trusted companion for students, a symbol of academic reliability, and a piece of Kolkata’s educational heritage.
Image courtesy@internet
