West Bengal Anganwadi 2026: The Anganwadi system in West Bengal is a cornerstone of the state’s commitment to maternal and child welfare. Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, these centers serve as the frontline of nutrition, health, and early childhood education services. With over 1,19,481 Anganwadi centres established across the state, the program benefits approximately 67 lakh children and serves as a critical safety net for vulnerable communities.
The West Bengal government has recognized the contribution of Anganwadi workers and helpers by increasing their monthly honorarium by ₹5,000, as proposed in the state budget. This comprehensive guide provides all essential information about services, recruitment opportunities, benefits, and application processes for Anganwadi positions in West Bengal.
Overview of West Bengal Anganwadi 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Anganwadi Centres | 1,19,481 centres |
| Child Beneficiaries | Approximately 67 lakh children |
| Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) | 1,19,481 positions |
| Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) | 1,19,481 positions |
| Official Managing Authority | Department of Women & Child Development, West Bengal |
| Scheme Under | ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) |
| National Honorarium (Central) | ₹4,500/month for AWWs; ₹2,250/month for AWHs |
| State Additional Honorarium | ₹5,000/month increase proposed in budget |
| Latest Recruitment Drive | 2024 notification for 845+ vacancies |
The Anganwadi system in West Bengal has a long and robust history. According to data from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, West Bengal has 290 rural ICDS projects, 46 tribal projects, and 22 urban projects, with a total of 57,540 sanctioned Anganwadi centres and 53,354 operational centres. The state government has been proactive in expanding the network, with Murshidabad district having 9,021 centres and North 24 Parganas having 10,381 centres.
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Services Provided at Anganwadi Centres
Anganwadi centres in West Bengal provide a comprehensive package of services designed to address the health and nutrition needs of children and mothers. According to the Dakshin Dinajpur district ICDS department, the following services are provided:
1. Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP)
Centres provide nutritious meals following a structured weekly menu:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Morning snacks of 40gm ready-to-eat food, followed by boiled full egg curry and rice
- Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: Boiled half egg and banana, followed by Khichdi with soybean and vegetables
- Pregnant and Lactating Mothers: Receive boiled full egg as part of their nutrition package
- Severely Malnourished Children: Receive 480gm ready-to-eat food per week as take-home ration, plus 150gm suji per month
2. Health and Immunization Services
- Maintaining survey registers on population in every Anganwadi centre’s area
- Keeping records of births and deaths of children and women during pregnancy and delivery
- Ensuring immunization and health check-ups of children, pregnant mothers, and lactating mothers
- Weighing of children and maintenance of growth charts to ascertain nutritional status
3. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Running pre-schools with teaching and learning materials for children aged 3 to 6 years
- Currently, 653 Shishu Aloys are operational across the state
- Monthly assessment of children under ECCE
4. Awareness and Community Engagement
- Monthly meetings with mothers to create awareness about health, nutrition, child rearing, hygiene, and sanitation
- Celebration of Breast Feeding Week (1-7th August), Nutrition Week (1-7th September), ECCE Day (3rd Monday), Supushti & Annaprasan Divas, and “Saadh Vakhhan” for pregnant mothers
5. Adolescent Girl Services
- Distribution of IFA tablets to out-of-school adolescent girls (11-14 years)
- SAG-KP (Scheme for Adolescent Girls-Kanyasree Prakalpa Convergence): All adolescent girls aged 11-18 are trained on health, hygiene, nutrition, environment, and society-related issues, with exposure visits to banks, post offices, police stations, and various government offices
Eligibility Criteria for Anganwadi Worker and Helper Positions
As per central government guidelines, the following eligibility criteria apply for Anganwadi Worker and Helper positions in West Bengal:
| Parameter | Anganwadi Worker | Anganwadi Helper |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 12th Standard (Matriculation) pass | 12th Standard (Matriculation) pass |
| Age Limit | 18 to 35 years | 18 to 35 years |
| Gender | Female | Female |
| Residency | Must be resident of the local village/area | Must be resident of the local village/area |
| Selection | By committee constituted by State Government/UT Administration from local village | By committee constituted by State Government/UT Administration from local village |
Special Provisions for West Bengal
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) candidates may receive additional consideration
- Widow and destitute women are given preference
- Bengali language proficiency is required for effective communication with the community
Anganwadi Supervisor Eligibility
For those aspiring to supervisory positions, additional qualifications are required:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Proficiency in Bengali language
- Age limit: 18-39 years
Salary and Honorarium Structure
Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are considered “honorary workers” who voluntarily serve their communities and receive honorarium, not salary. The honorarium structure is as follows:
| Position | Central Government Honorarium | Performance Incentive | State Additional (West Bengal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anganwadi Worker (Main Centre) | ₹4,500/month | ₹500/month | ₹5,000/month increase proposed |
| Anganwadi Worker (Mini Centre) | ₹3,500/month | ₹500/month | ₹5,000/month increase proposed |
| Anganwadi Helper | ₹2,250/month | ₹250/month | ₹5,000/month increase proposed |
Additional Benefits and Social Security
According to a recent Lok Sabha response, the following benefits are now available to Anganwadi workers and helpers:
- 20 days annual leave
- 180 days paid maternity leave
- 45 days paid absence on abortion/miscarriage
- Promotion opportunities: 50% of Anganwadi Worker posts are filled by Helpers with 5 years of experience; 50% of Supervisor posts are filled by Workers with 5 years of experience
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Life cover of ₹2 lakh
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Accidental cover of ₹2 lakh
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: ₹5 lakh annual healthcare coverage
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan (PM-SYM): Voluntary pension scheme
West Bengal Anganwadi Recruitment 2026: Latest Opportunities
Current Recruitment Overview
The recruitment for Anganwadi positions in West Bengal is conducted district-wise by the respective ICDS cells. In 2024, a major recruitment notification was released for 845 vacancies across various districts. There are also reports suggesting that the government is considering filling 36,000 vacant positions across the state.
Latest West Bengal Anganwadi Job Vacancies 2026
| Post Details | No. of Vacancies | Qualification | Last Date to Apply | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anganwadi Worker & Helper | 1288 | 5th, 12th, Graduation, Post Graduation | 16-Jul-2026 | |
| Anganwadi Worker & Helper | 2548 | 12th | 13-Jul-2026 |
Recent Recruitment Drive (2024)
In August-September 2024, the Office of Child Development Project, ICDS Paschim Bardhaman, released a notification for 845 vacancies for Anganwadi Worker and Helper positions:
| Post | Vacancies | Salary/Honorarium |
|---|---|---|
| Anganwadi Worker | 361 | ₹4,500/month |
| Anganwadi Helper | 522 | ₹4,450/month |
| Total | 845 | – |
How to Apply for West Bengal Anganwadi Recruitment
The application process is typically conducted online through district-specific portals. For the Paschim Bardhaman recruitment, applications were accepted through https://icdspsbdn.in/ .
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the official website: Go to https://icdspsbdn.in or the respective district ICDS website
- Register: Click on the “Apply AHW/AHH (Direct Vacancy)” link and complete registration with name and mobile number
- Login: Log in using your registration credentials
- Select Post: Click on “Apply for Anganwadi Worker (AWW)/ Anganwadi Helper (AHH)”
- Fill Details: Select your district and fill in all required personal and educational details
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and supporting documents
- Submit: Review all details and submit the application form
Important Dates for the 2024 Recruitment
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 21 August 2024 |
| Application Last Date | 18 September 2024 |
| Hall Ticket Release | One week before exam date |
| Exam Date | November/December 2024 |
Document Checklist for Anganwadi Application
Candidates must prepare the following documents before starting the application process:
Mandatory Documents:
- Residence Certificate: Proof of residency in the district/area
- Educational Certificates: 12th mark sheet and certificate
- Age Proof: Birth certificate or 10th certificate
- Aadhaar Card: Compulsory
- Voter ID: As identity proof
- Caste Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC candidates (if applicable)
- Physically Disabled Certificate: If applicable
- Passport-size Photograph: Recent photograph
- Application Fee Receipt: If fee was paid online
Frequently Asked Questions About West Bengal Anganwadi
What is the minimum educational qualification for Anganwadi Worker in West Bengal?
As per central government guidelines, candidates must have passed 12th Standard (Matriculation) from a recognized board for both Anganwadi Worker and Helper positions.
What is the age limit for Anganwadi recruitment?
The age limit is 18 to 35 years as per the national guidelines. Some district notifications may specify 18-35 years as the standard range.
How many Anganwadi centres are there in West Bengal?
West Bengal has 1,19,481 Anganwadi centres serving approximately 67 lakh children.
What is the honorarium for Anganwadi Workers in West Bengal?
The central government provides ₹4,500 per month for main centre workers and ₹3,500 for mini-centre workers. Helpers receive ₹2,250 per month. Performance incentives of ₹500 and ₹250 respectively are also provided. The West Bengal government has proposed an additional ₹5,000 increase in the monthly honorarium.
How can I apply for Anganwadi jobs in West Bengal?
Applications are generally submitted online through district-specific portals. For Paschim Bardhaman, the application portal was https://icdspsbdn.in. Candidates should check the official website of their respective district ICDS cell.
What is the selection process for Anganwadi positions?
The selection process typically involves a written examination followed by a viva-voce (interview). In some cases, selection is based on merit lists prepared from the applications.
What social security benefits are available to Anganwadi workers?
West Bengal Anganwadi workers are covered under PMJJBY (₹2 lakh life cover), PMSBY (₹2 lakh accidental cover), and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (₹5 lakh annual healthcare cover). They also get 20 days annual leave, 180 days maternity leave, and promotion opportunities.
Is Bengali language proficiency required for Anganwadi jobs?
While not always explicitly stated, candidates must be able to communicate effectively with the local community. Bengali language proficiency is generally required for effective service delivery.
Can male candidates apply for Anganwadi positions?
No, Anganwadi Worker and Helper positions are exclusively for female candidates.
What services are provided at Anganwadi centres?
Anganwadi centres provide supplementary nutrition, early childhood education, health check-ups, immunization support, nutrition counseling for pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescent girl services.
Important Links and Official Resources
Official Websites
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| ICDS Paschim Bardhaman Official Portal | https://icdspsbdn.in |
| West Bengal Government Official Portal | www.wb.gov.in |
| Ministry of Women and Child Development | wcd.nic.in |
| District Dakshin Dinajpur ICDS | ddinajpur.nic.in/icds/ |
Important Notifications and Government Orders
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Questions:
- Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2082 (01.08.2025): Social Security to Anganwadi Workers – Contains detailed information on honorarium, leave, insurance, and promotion policies
- Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 476 (20.07.2022): Criteria for Recruitment of Anganwadi Workers – Contains eligibility and honorarium details
Recent Government Orders:
- West Bengal Budget 2026: Proposed increase of ₹5,000 in Anganwadi worker honorarium
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Implementation: MoU signed on 8 June 2026 covering all Anganwadi workers and helpers in West Bengal
Recruitment Notification Sources
- WCD UP Recruitment (1288 vacancies, last date 16-Jul-2026)
- WCD UP Recruitment (2548 vacancies, last date 13-Jul-2026)