CBSE OSM System Enhanced Transparency in Class 12 Evaluation

The government has stated that the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system introduced in CBSE Class 12 board examinations enhanced transparency, fairness, and objectivity in the evaluation process. The clarification comes amid concerns raised by students and parents over comparatively lower marks in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

According to CBSE, the OSM system was implemented to ensure uniformity in answer-sheet evaluation through stepwise marking, automated calculations, and reduced manual intervention. The board clarified that only the mode of checking answer sheets changed from physical to digital, while the marking scheme remained unchanged.

CBSE OSM System 2026: Key Highlights

CBSE conducted full-scale digital evaluation of nearly 98 lakh Class 12 answer sheets this year using the OSM system.

What Is the CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) System?

On-Screen Marking is a digital evaluation method in which scanned answer sheets are assessed by examiners on computers instead of physical copies. Under the process:

• Answer books are scanned after secrecy procedures
• Copies are digitally allotted to evaluators
• Marks are entered online
• Totalling and tabulation are automated

CBSE says the system reduces human error and improves monitoring of the evaluation process.

Why CBSE Introduced OSM for Class 12 Exams?

CBSE officially introduced OSM for Class 12 board examinations from 2026 to modernise evaluation and reduce administrative delays. The board had earlier experimented with the system in 2014 but paused implementation due to technical challenges.

Major Benefits Mentioned by CBSE

• Elimination of totalling errors
• Faster evaluation process
• Wider teacher participation
• Reduced transportation of answer books
• Automated coordination and monitoring
• Better transparency and consistency

CBSE also highlighted that teachers could evaluate papers digitally while continuing regular school duties.

CBSE Responds to Students’ Concerns Over Low Marks

After CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 was declared, several students raised concerns on social media regarding lower-than-expected marks under the digital evaluation system. Some students claimed there was a mismatch between their JEE Main performance and board exam scores. In response, CBSE clarified:

• OSM only changed the evaluation medium
• Marking schemes remained identical
• Stepwise marking was strictly followed
• Re-evaluation opportunities remain available

The board also stated that unclear scanned copies could be rescanned or manually checked if required.

CBSE Digital Evaluation 2026: Data and Trend

According to reports:

• Around 70,000 evaluators participated in digital marking
• More than 6,000 centres and 88,000 computers were used
• Approximately 68,000 answer sheets were rescanned
• Around 13,000 copies were manually evaluated due to scan clarity issues

Experts say the stricter implementation of stepwise marking may have contributed to a slight decline in average marks and pass percentage this year.

CBSE Official Website

Students can check official notices regarding OSM, re-evaluation, and board results on:

CBSE Official Website

How Students Can Apply for CBSE Re-Evaluation 2026?

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

CBSE has reduced the re-evaluation and answer-sheet access fee to ₹100 per paper this year.

Previous Year Comparison and Context

This is the first year CBSE fully implemented large-scale digital evaluation for Class 12 board exams. Earlier, physical answer-sheet checking was used across most centres. The board says the transition is part of broader digital reforms aimed at:

• Faster result processing
• Better monitoring
• More uniform assessment standards
• Environment-friendly evaluation systems

CBSE OSM System 2026 FAQs