CBSE Students Raise Fresh Concerns Over Blurred OSM Answer Sheets

CBSE Students Raise Fresh Concerns Over Blurred OSM Answer Sheets as several Class 12 students and parents questioned the accuracy of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s digital evaluation process after receiving allegedly unclear scanned copies of their answer sheets. The issue surfaced during the ongoing re-evaluation and verification process linked to the newly implemented On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the 2026 board examinations.

Students took to social media platforms to share screenshots of scanned answer scripts that appeared blurred, merged, or difficult to read. Many candidates claimed they were unable to clearly identify portions of their own handwriting in the digital copies provided by the board. The controversy has added to the wider debate surrounding the implementation of the OSM evaluation system, which was introduced on a larger scale for CBSE Class 12 board examinations this year.

CBSE OSM System Faces Student Scrutiny After Scanned Copy Complaints

The On-Screen Marking system introduced by CBSE involves scanning physical answer sheets and making digital copies available to evaluators for assessment. The board had stated that the system was designed to improve transparency, reduce manual errors, and ensure uniformity in marking.

However, after students accessed scanned copies during the re-evaluation process, multiple complaints emerged regarding image clarity and readability. Several candidates alleged that portions of their answers appeared faded, blurred, or compressed in the scanned format. Students questioned how teachers could accurately evaluate responses if the scanned copies themselves were difficult to read. Some social media users demanded manual rechecking and called for the withdrawal of the OSM system until technical issues are resolved.

Students Share Screenshots of Blurred Answer Sheets

A large number of students began posting screenshots online after accessing their scanned answer scripts through the official CBSE portal. Many claimed that punctuation marks, diagrams, and handwritten lines appeared distorted or merged together in the digital version.

Some students alleged that even they could not properly read their own handwriting in the uploaded copies. The complaints further intensified concerns among candidates who believe that scanning quality may have affected evaluation accuracy and final marks. The issue gained wider attention after students started demanding greater transparency regarding the scanning and digital assessment process used during board evaluations.

CBSE Defends On-Screen Marking Evaluation System

CBSE has repeatedly defended the On-Screen Marking system and clarified that only the mode of evaluation has changed, while the marking scheme and assessment criteria remain unchanged. According to the board, the OSM process helps eliminate totalling errors and improves consistency in evaluation.

The board explained that answer sheets are scanned after secrecy procedures are completed and are then digitally assigned to evaluators through a secure platform. Teachers evaluate scanned copies directly on-screen using official marking guidelines. CBSE also stated that multiple quality checks are conducted during the scanning process and unclear answer sheets can be rejected for rescanning if necessary.

Technical Issues and Manual Evaluation Reports

Despite CBSE’s clarification, reports indicate that technical difficulties were encountered during the scanning process in some cases. Education officials and evaluators acknowledged that unclear scans and formatting issues affected a limited number of answer sheets. According to reports, nearly 68,000 answer sheets were rescanned due to quality concerns, while approximately 13,000 copies were manually evaluated because scanned versions were not clear enough for digital assessment.

Teachers associated with the evaluation process also highlighted concerns regarding scanning quality. Some evaluators stated that punctuation marks and sentence structures occasionally appeared merged during digital viewing, potentially affecting readability.

CBSE Re-evaluation Process and Reduced Fees

Amid growing criticism, CBSE introduced revised re-evaluation guidelines and reduced charges for accessing scanned answer sheets. Students can now obtain photocopies of their answer scripts for INR 100 per subject, a move aimed at increasing transparency and accessibility.

The board also extended deadlines for obtaining scanned copies after students reported technical issues while accessing the online portal. Under the revised framework, students must first obtain scanned copies of answer sheets before applying for verification or re-evaluation. The system is intended to allow candidates to independently review their evaluated responses and identify possible discrepancies.

Concerns Over Impact on Competitive Exam Aspirants

The controversy surrounding the OSM system has become particularly significant for students preparing for engineering, medical, and university admissions. Several candidates and parents argued that unexpectedly low board scores may impact eligibility for higher education opportunities despite strong performances in competitive examinations like JEE Main.

Some educators suggested that strict digital evaluation patterns and scanning limitations may have contributed to score variations in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students have therefore demanded additional safeguards, including improved scanning quality, manual verification mechanisms, and clearer communication regarding evaluation standards.

CBSE Continues to Support OSM Rollout

CBSE has maintained that the On-Screen Marking system is intended to modernize the evaluation process and align with digital assessment practices adopted by several universities and educational boards globally. The board stated that the technology was initially conceptualized in 2014 but implemented extensively only after improvements in scanning infrastructure and digital systems.

Officials continue to emphasize that the OSM system improves monitoring, reduces administrative delays, and enhances evaluation consistency. At the same time, the board has assured students that feedback regarding scanning quality and technical concerns is being reviewed carefully.