CBSE Admits 20 Answer Sheet Mix-Up Cases in OSM Evaluation

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has admitted that around 20 answer sheet mismatch cases occurred during the implementation of its On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation system for the 2026 board examinations. According to officials, the issue was caused due to scanning errors while uploading answer scripts for digital evaluation.The discrepancy came to light after students accessed their scanned answer sheets and found that the uploaded copies did not belong to them. Officials stated that students informed the board about these mismatches after reviewing their digital answer scripts through the evaluation system.

CBSE has clarified that the issue affected only a very small number of answer sheets when compared to the overall volume of scripts processed during the board examinations. However, the board acknowledged that the errors raised concerns regarding digital evaluation accuracy and transparency. At the same time, CBSE announced a major step towards increasing transparency in the examination system. From 2027 onwards, scanned answer sheets along with digital mark sheets are expected to be made accessible to students through DigiLocker.

CBSE OSM System Processed Nearly 98 Lakh Answer Scripts

The board stated that the OSM evaluation system handled approximately 98 lakh answer scripts during the board examination evaluation process. According to officials, all answer sheets were scanned and uploaded to the digital evaluation portal where examiners checked scripts through the online marking system instead of traditional physical evaluation methods. The large-scale digital evaluation initiative was introduced to:

• Improve transparency
• Reduce manual handling errors
• Speed up result processing
• Standardise marking practices
• Enable digital access to scripts

However, technical and scanning-related issues were identified during implementation.

Around 68,000 Answer Sheets Required Rescanning

CBSE officials stated that nearly 68,000 answer scripts faced image quality issues during the scanning process and had to be rescanned. Despite rescanning efforts, approximately 13,000 answer sheets reportedly remained unclear and were eventually evaluated manually to ensure that students were not affected because of technical limitations.

Officials explained that poor image clarity, incomplete scans, and technical mismatches contributed to the issues observed during the digital evaluation process. The board maintained that corrective measures were immediately implemented after the discrepancies were identified.

Students Identified Answer Sheet Mismatch Cases

The mismatch issue reportedly surfaced when students accessed scanned copies of their answer scripts and noticed that the uploaded documents belonged to other candidates. According to reports, students alerted authorities after observing inconsistencies in handwriting, subject responses, and personal details visible in the scanned copies.

Board officials later confirmed that around 20 such cases had been identified during the review process. The board has not indicated any large-scale impact on overall result processing, but officials stated that the identified cases were addressed individually.

IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur Experts Reviewing OSM System

CBSE stated that experts from IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur are currently reviewing the OSM evaluation system to strengthen the scanning and digital assessment process. The experts are reportedly analysing:

• Software performance
• Scanning accuracy
• System coding structure
• Evaluation workflow
• Digital script management process

The objective is to improve reliability and eliminate technical glitches in future examination cycles. Officials said the system is being refined to make the evaluation process more seamless, efficient, and transparent for students and examiners.

DigiLocker to Host Scanned Answer Sheets from 2027

CBSE has announced plans to make scanned answer sheets available to students through DigiLocker from the 2027 academic session. Currently, students can access digital mark sheets and certificates through DigiLocker. The proposed expansion will allow students to also view their evaluated answer scripts online The initiative is expected to:

• Improve transparency in evaluation
• Reduce disputes related to marking
• Simplify re-evaluation requests
• Increase student confidence
• Strengthen digital record management

Officials stated that technology-driven evaluation systems are being gradually expanded across board examination processes.

What Is CBSE’s On-Screen Marking System?

The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is a digital evaluation mechanism where physical answer sheets are scanned and uploaded to a secure portal for online assessment by examiners. Under the OSM model:

• Answer scripts are digitised
• Examiners evaluate online
• Manual movement of copies is reduced
• Central monitoring becomes easier
• Standardisation of marking improves

CBSE introduced the system to modernise board evaluation and minimise logistical challenges associated with physical answer book distribution. Several educational boards and recruitment agencies across India have also adopted similar digital evaluation systems in recent years.

Why the OSM System Is Considered Important?

Education experts believe digital evaluation systems can improve examination transparency when implemented effectively. Major benefits of OSM include:

• Faster result declaration
• Reduced examiner bias
• Improved answer script security
• Centralised monitoring
• Easier audit and moderation processes
• Better record preservation

However, experts also note that large-scale digital evaluation requires robust scanning infrastructure, quality control, and secure data management systems to avoid errors.

Manual Evaluation Conducted for Unclear Scripts

To minimise the impact of scanning issues, CBSE reportedly shifted thousands of unclear answer scripts to manual evaluation. Officials stated that approximately 13,000 answer copies that remained unclear after rescanning were physically assessed by examiners.

The board said this decision was taken to ensure that no student faced disadvantages because of technical issues in the evaluation process. Manual intervention was reportedly used only for cases where image quality remained insufficient for accurate digital evaluation.

Cost Difference Influenced OSM Vendor Selection

Reports also indicated that CBSE shortlisted both COEMPT and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) during the bidding process for the OSM system implementation. According to officials, COEMPT secured the contract after quoting approximately INR 24.75 per answer booklet, significantly lower than the quoted rate of around INR 65 per booklet submitted by TCS.

The board selected the vendor based on the financial bidding process and operational considerations. Officials have not indicated any direct connection between the vendor selection and the scanning mismatch cases.

Transparency Measures Increasing in CBSE Evaluation Process

Over the last few years, CBSE has gradually increased the use of technology in examination administration, evaluation, and result management. Major digital initiatives introduced by the board include:

• DigiLocker certificates
• Online re-evaluation systems
• Digital mark sheet verification
• OSM evaluation
• Centralised digital result processing

The introduction of scanned answer sheet access through DigiLocker is expected to further strengthen transparency in the board examination process.

Students Advised to Verify Answer Scripts Carefully

Education experts have advised students to carefully review scanned answer sheets whenever access is provided through official platforms. Students should verify:

• Subject details
• Roll numbers
• Uploaded pages
• Evaluation markings
• Total marks calculation

Any discrepancy noticed in uploaded answer scripts should immediately be reported to CBSE through official grievance channels.

CBSE Expected to Strengthen Digital Evaluation Infrastructure

Following the reported mismatch cases, CBSE is expected to further improve quality checks in scanning and digital evaluation workflows. Experts believe future improvements may include:

• Enhanced scanning verification
• AI-assisted quality checks
• Multi-level script validation
• Stronger software monitoring
• Automated mismatch detection systems

The board has maintained that the overall evaluation system remains reliable and that corrective measures are already being implemented for future examination cycles.