Even as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) faces criticism over its newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, Education Ministry sources have indicated that the digital evaluation process is likely to continue next year. The board is expected to review the feedback and issues reported during the 2025 Class 12 board examination evaluation process before taking a final decision.
The OSM system replaced the traditional physical checking of answer sheets with digitally scanned copies that were evaluated on-screen by examiners. However, several students alleged that scanned answer sheets available through the re-evaluation portal were blurred, unreadable, or improperly checked.
Key Highlights
- CBSE introduced the OSM system for Class 12 board exams this year
- Digital scanned copies replaced physical answer sheet checking
- Education Ministry sources indicated the system is likely to continue in 2026
- Students complained about blurred answer sheets and unchecked answers
- Around 98 lakh answer sheets were scanned under the new process
- Nearly 13,000 answer sheets required manual evaluation due to unclear scans
- Technical glitches were also reported on the CBSE re-evaluation portal
- CBSE may strengthen and improve the system after reviewing feedback
More Info
According to senior Education Ministry officials, the CBSE is unlikely to discontinue the OSM system completely despite widespread criticism on social media. Officials defended the mechanism, stating that the number of problematic cases was very small compared to the total number of answer sheets processed.
A senior official said that all systems evolve with time and improvements would be introduced to ensure that students do not face inconvenience in future examinations.
The official further clarified that out of approximately 98 lakh scanned answer sheets, scanning-related issues were initially identified in nearly 68,000 cases. After review and corrections, the number reportedly reduced to around 13,000 answer sheets.
These answer sheets were manually checked because the scanned copies were unclear due to reasons such as students using very light ink while writing answers.
How Students Can Apply for CBSE Re-Evaluation
- Visit the official CBSE website
- Open the re-evaluation or verification section
- Enter roll number and required credentials
- Select the subject for verification or re-evaluation
- Upload necessary details if required
- Pay the prescribed application fee
- Submit the application form
- Download the confirmation receipt for future reference
What is the OSM System?
The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is a digital evaluation process introduced by CBSE for evaluating Class 12 board examination answer sheets. Under this process, physical answer sheets are scanned and uploaded digitally for examiners to assess online.
Major Complaints Raised by Students
Students who downloaded scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets claimed several issues, including:
- Blurred or unreadable scanned pages
- Some answers allegedly left unchecked
- Lack of step marking in numerical subjects
- Mismatch between awarded marks and final totals
- Portal crashes and technical errors during re-evaluation
Many students shared screenshots of allegedly unclear answer sheets on social media, raising concerns about evaluation accuracy.
CBSE and Ministry Response
Education Ministry sources defended the system by stating that social media amplified isolated cases. Officials emphasized that students dissatisfied with evaluation can still apply for verification and re-evaluation.
The ministry also pointed out that re-evaluation requests are submitted every year, even under the traditional evaluation system, and therefore it would be premature to declare the OSM mechanism a complete failure.
Portal Traffic and Technical Issues
Officials acknowledged technical problems on the portal, explaining that approximately 1.5 lakh users accessed the website simultaneously during the re-evaluation process. Due to heavy traffic, the board extended application deadlines for students.
What’s Next
CBSE is expected to conduct a detailed review of the OSM implementation process before the 2026 board examinations. The board may introduce technical improvements, better scanning mechanisms, and enhanced evaluator training to reduce future complaints.
Students and parents are now waiting for CBSE’s final decision regarding possible modifications to the digital evaluation system.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Board Name | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| System Name | On-Screen Marking (OSM) |
| Introduced For | Class 12 Board Exams |
| Evaluation Mode | Digital Scanned Answer Sheet Checking |
| Main Issues Reported | Blurred scans, unchecked answers, portal glitches |
| Total Answer Sheets Scanned | Approx. 98 Lakh |
| Cases with Scan Issues Initially | Around 68,000 |
| Manual Evaluation Cases | Nearly 13,000 |
| Official Status | Likely to Continue in 2026 |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the CBSE OSM system? |
| The OSM or On-Screen Marking system is a digital evaluation process where scanned answer sheets are checked online by examiners instead of physical copies. |
| Why are students criticizing the CBSE OSM system? |
| Students alleged that several scanned answer sheets were blurred or unreadable and claimed some answers were left unchecked during evaluation. |
| Will CBSE continue the OSM system in 2026? |
| Education Ministry sources indicated that the system is likely to continue next year after reviewing feedback and improving the process. |
| How many answer sheets faced scanning issues? |
| Out of nearly 98 lakh scanned answer sheets, around 13,000 reportedly required manual evaluation due to unclear scans. |
| What problems were reported on the CBSE portal? |
| Students complained about technical glitches and slow portal performance due to heavy traffic during the re-evaluation process. |
| Can students apply for CBSE re-evaluation? |
| Yes, students who suspect discrepancies in marks or evaluation can apply through the official CBSE re-evaluation portal. |
| Why did CBSE extend the re-evaluation dates? |
| The board extended the dates because nearly 1.5 lakh users accessed the portal simultaneously, causing technical issues. |
| What improvements may CBSE introduce in the OSM system? |
| CBSE may improve scanning quality, strengthen portal infrastructure and provide better evaluator training for future examinations. |
The CBSE On-Screen Marking system has become one of the most debated education reforms in recent years. While students continue to raise concerns regarding blurred answer sheets, unchecked responses, and technical glitches, Education Ministry officials believe the overall scale of issues remains limited compared to the massive examination process handled by the board.
With CBSE expected to review the complete evaluation process and student feedback, improvements in scanning quality and portal infrastructure are likely before the next examination cycle. For now, the OSM system appears set to remain part of CBSE’s digital transformation strategy for board examinations.
