CBSE Digital Evaluation Issues 2026: Students Demand End to OSM System

The CBSE Digital Evaluation Issues 2026 debate has intensified after thousands of students raised concerns over unexpectedly low marks in the Class 12 board examination. Many students and parents are now demanding that the Central Board of Secondary Education discontinue the new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system introduced this year for digital answer sheet evaluation.

The controversy began shortly after the declaration of the CBSE Class 12 Result 2026, especially in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology subjects. Several students claimed that their marks did not match their expected performance, while some candidates who cleared competitive exams like JEE Main reportedly failed to meet the 75% eligibility requirement in board exams.

What is CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) System?

The CBSE introduced the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 board answer sheet evaluation in 2026. Under this process, physical answer books are scanned digitally and evaluated online by teachers through a computer-based platform. CBSE said the system was introduced to:

• Reduce totalling errors
• Increase transparency
• Speed up evaluation
• Eliminate manual uploading mistakes
• Enable digital monitoring of marking

The board conducted multiple dry runs and training sessions before implementing the system nationwide.

Why Are Students Opposing the CBSE OSM System?

Following the result declaration, students flooded social media platforms with complaints regarding unusually low scores and alleged evaluation inconsistencies.

Major Complaints Raised by Students

Some students also alleged that answers written near margins or diagrams may not have been clearly visible in scanned copies.

CBSE Responds to OSM Evaluation Controversy

CBSE has defended the digital evaluation system and stated that the OSM process improves fairness, consistency, and transparency in marking. The board clarified that human evaluators—not AI—checked the answer scripts through digital screens. According to CBSE officials:

• Stepwise marking was followed
• Totalling errors were eliminated
• Manual errors reduced significantly
• Evaluation became more standardised

The board also rejected claims that the entire system had failed, saying students dissatisfied with scores should apply through the official re-evaluation process.

CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 Shows Drop in Pass Percentage

The debate around digital evaluation became stronger after the CBSE Class 12 pass percentage declined this year. Reports indicate that the overall pass percentage dropped from 88.39% in 2025 to 85.20% in 2026.

Education experts believe stricter digital evaluation and more objective marking patterns may have contributed to the decline in scores.

CBSE Re-Evaluation 2026 Process and Important Dates

CBSE has opened the re-evaluation and answer sheet verification process for dissatisfied students. Candidates can apply online through the official CBSE portal.

Steps to Apply for CBSE Re-Evaluation 2026

1. Visit the official CBSE website
2. Open the re-evaluation portal
3. Login using roll number and credentials
4. Apply for scanned copy of answer sheet
5. Submit verification or re-evaluation request
6. Pay the required application fee online

The board has introduced a two-step system where students first access scanned copies before applying for re-evaluation.

Teachers Also Raise Concerns Over Digital Evaluation

Apart from students, some teachers reportedly faced technical and operational challenges while using the OSM platform. Reports mentioned:

• Slow system performance
• Screen visibility issues
• High digital fatigue
• Long evaluation hours

However, CBSE maintained that the majority of evaluators adapted successfully to the digital system after training.

Will CBSE Discontinue the OSM System?

As of now, CBSE has not announced any decision to discontinue the OSM digital evaluation system. Instead, the board has defended the initiative as a major modernization step aimed at increasing transparency and reducing clerical errors. Still, the growing student backlash and social media criticism may push the board to review certain implementation issues in future board examinations.

Official Website for CBSE Re-Evaluation 2026

Students can check official notices and apply for verification through the CBSE portal.

Official Website:CBSE Official Website

CBSE Digital Evaluation Issues 2026 FAQs