CBSE Directs Schools to Relieve Teachers for Class 10 & 12 Evaluation Ahead of 2026 Boards

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed all principals and managements of affiliated schools to immediately relieve teachers assigned to evaluate Class 10 and Class 12 board examination answer scripts for the year 2026. The directive aims to facilitate fair, accurate and timely assessment of students’ performance in the upcoming board examinations.

Why CBSE Directs Schools Must Relieve Teachers for Evaluation?

CBSE emphasised that full-time availability of qualified teachers is crucial to managing the rigorous evaluation process within the targeted timeframe. The board has updated its standard operating procedures (SOPs) and prepared instructional materials — including videos — to support evaluators in delivering consistent and error-free assessments. Under the new guidelines, schools are required to release educators who will be involved in checking answer books so that the evaluation can be completed efficiently. This also helps in meeting the board’s timelines for result declaration and maintaining high standards of academic fairness.

CBSE Directs Schools to Evaluation Changes and New Processes

In 2026, CBSE will introduce significant changes in the evaluation process, particularly for Class 12 answer scripts:

• On-Screen Marking (OSM): Class 12 answer books will be evaluated digitally through an on-screen marking system, allowing teachers to assess scanned scripts on computers rather than manually checking physical bundles.
• Class 10 Evaluation: While Class 12 moves to digital marking, Class 10 answer books will continue to be checked manually (offline) for the 2026 cycle.

The shift to on-screen marking is intended to enhance transparency, reduce totalling errors and speed up the evaluation process, allowing teachers to conduct assessments without disrupting regular teaching duties. Schools have been urged to ensure the necessary technical infrastructure, such as computer labs with reliable internet connectivity and updated systems, to support this digital transition.

What CBSE Direct Schools Must Do?

CBSE’s official communication also includes additional instructions:

• Appoint qualified and competent teachers in proportion to the number of students presented for the board exams.
• Issue relieving certificates for teachers who are released for evaluation duties.
• Adhere to the updated evaluation guidelines, including the use of instructional materials and revised SOPs provided by the board.

CBSE has made it clear that non-compliance with the directive may attract strict action under the board’s examination and affiliation bye-laws, including possible withholding of school results.

Impact on the CBSE 2026 Board Exam Cycle

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations for 2026 are scheduled to begin from 17 February 2026 across all affiliated schools. Ensuring that teachers are fully available for evaluation is seen as a key part of maintaining the integrity of the examination process. Relief of teachers for this purpose is expected to help the board complete evaluations within a targeted timeframe of eight to ten days after the exams conclude. CBSE’s move to involve schools more directly in the evaluation process, backed by digital on-screen marking for senior secondary answer books, represents a broader push to modernise assessment practices while keeping academic standards high.