CBSE defends digital evaluation system amid concerns over class 12 results

Board clarifies that evaluation method remains unchanged, with only a shift from physical to digital answer sheets; rejects claims of stricter marking or AI-based assessment while highlighting safeguards and training measures.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has strongly defended its On-Screen Marking (OSM) system following complaints from Class 12 students who reported unexpectedly low scores in the recent board examinations. The board clarified that the shift is purely procedural, with no change in the evaluation standards or marking scheme.

CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh explained that the reform involves only a transition in the medium of evaluation. According to him, examiners who earlier assessed physical answer sheets are now reviewing scanned copies on digital screens, while the marking guidelines remain exactly the same as before. He emphasised that concerns about altered assessment criteria are unfounded.

Digital evaluation process and scale of implementation

Under the OSM system, handwritten answer sheets are scanned and converted into digital format before being distributed to evaluators. CBSE stated that nearly 98 lakh answer sheets were processed this year through this system. The board also highlighted that OSM is not a new initiative, as it was first introduced in 2014, but its full-scale implementation was delayed due to technological constraints at the time.

Addressing criticism circulating on social media, students had alleged that digital evaluation may have resulted in stricter marking and contributed to a decline in pass percentages. CBSE rejected these claims, asserting that there has been no involvement of Artificial Intelligence in the assessment process and that evaluation continues to be entirely manual.

School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar added that the system includes multiple layers of verification, including mandatory step-wise marking, security checks, and automated error detection to eliminate calculation mistakes. He further noted that around 13,000 answer sheets that were difficult to read were subjected to repeated scanning attempts before being sent for manual review.

Training, transparency measures, and re-evaluation options

The board also said that nearly 3 lakh teachers, including about 77,000 evaluators, were trained for the digital marking process to ensure smooth adoption. While acknowledging minor technical issues during initial phases, CBSE maintained that the system ultimately enhances transparency, uniformity, and efficiency in evaluation.

In addition, CBSE has revised its re-evaluation fee structure to make the process more accessible for students. Verification and validation of an answer book will now cost ₹100 per paper, while re-evaluation of individual answers will be charged at ₹25 per question.

Students who remain dissatisfied with their results have been advised to apply for the official re-evaluation process starting May 19 through the board’s designated channels.