New Delhi, May 17: The Ministry of Education has shared detailed information regarding the implementation of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the evaluation of the CBSE Class 12 board exams. This comes in response to numerous complaints from students and parents since the results were announced.
The CBSE acknowledged that over 68,000 answer sheets had to be rescanned due to poor scanning quality. Additionally, around 13,583 answer sheets were found to be consistently of low quality. To address the delay in results and concerns from students, these papers were evaluated manually, and the scores were uploaded into the system.
Analysis of the results indicated a slight decline in the overall pass percentage and average marks for the year 2026. The cutoff marks required for high grades in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Accounting have decreased by several points.
The ministry noted that examiners appeared to be adhering more strictly to the marking scheme prepared by subject experts this time. Following the announcement of results, many students and parents complained that poor scanning had rendered several answers unclear, impacting their scores. Some students also claimed that the phased marking system did not adequately reward answers solved using alternative or shortcut methods, particularly in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
According to the ministry, the OSM system was introduced in 2026 to make the evaluation process more transparent, accurate, and efficient. Despite the concerns raised by students, parents, and teachers after the results were declared, the board has provided detailed clarifications and initiated a special re-evaluation process.
The ministry explained that On-Screen Marking is considered an effective technique for standardized assessment worldwide. It eliminates errors in addition and tabulation, ensures evaluation of every answer, and maintains consistency according to the established marking scheme. Moreover, it reduces the time taken to prepare results, decreases administrative burdens, and makes the entire process more secure and transparent. Many universities and educational institutions in India have already adopted this technology, and several state education boards are also working towards its implementation. Various assessment agencies and examination systems in other countries widely utilize this technique as well.
The ministry revealed that CBSE first implemented this system in 2014, but it was not continued due to technical issues related to scanning. In 2026, it was reintroduced with new technological arrangements and additional security measures. This time, the scanning of answer sheets was conducted in a manner that preserved the original copies securely and without alterations. Quality checks were implemented at multiple levels after scanning. A secure network and permanent IP system were established for evaluation centers to ensure data security.
Teachers received prior training, and a special process was adopted to ensure confidentiality once the answer sheets arrived from examination centers. The sheets were scanned, and if quality was unsatisfactory, they were rescanned. The answer sheets were sent to different regions to maintain confidentiality. Subsequently, evaluators assessed them online, with additional checks conducted at the assistant chief examiner and chief examiner levels.
The ministry stated that training for this entire process began in January 2026. Initially, a pilot was conducted in five schools, followed by performance and training sessions for teachers. A nationwide webinar for teachers was held on February 13, which attracted millions of viewers. From February 15, teachers were given the opportunity to practice on previous years’ answer sheets, and actual evaluation work commenced on March 7.
CBSE reported that a total of 98,66,222 answer sheets were scanned this year. Several technical difficulties arose in the initial stages. Some schools faced issues with the secure network permission system, many teachers encountered login problems, and there were download issues due to server overload in the early days. However, all these problems were resolved through technical support. In some cases, questions were raised about lower scores for students who had performed well in competitive exams like engineering entrance tests.
In response to these complaints, CBSE has stated that it is sensitive to student concerns and has initiated a comprehensive process for providing scanned copies of answer sheets, verification, and re-evaluation. Under the new system, students will first receive the scanned answer sheet for the relevant subject. They will then be able to verify whether the evaluation was accurate and if marks were awarded according to the marking scheme. If students notice any discrepancies, they can inform the board with their comments. A committee of subject experts will investigate the matter and inform the student of the final decision based on the facts.
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My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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