CBSE to Implement Digital Checking for 12th Board Exams by 2026

The CBSE is set to revolutionize the evaluation process for 12th-grade board exams by implementing a fully digital checking system by 2026. This transition will allow teachers to assess scanned answer sheets directly from their schools, significantly reducing the time taken for evaluations. Students are advised to write clearly to ensure readability, as unclear handwriting could impact their scores. The new system promises to eliminate totaling errors and enhance the accuracy of results, making the overall examination process more efficient. Discover more about this significant change in the education sector.

By Ambika Singh Feb 23, 2026, 10:30 IST

Introduction to Digital Checking

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a shift to a fully digital method for checking answer sheets for the 12th-grade board examinations starting in 2026. In the past, teachers manually reviewed paper copies, but this new approach will allow them to assess scanned versions on their computer screens. This change aims to streamline the process by removing the need for physical transportation of answer sheets.

Efficiency Improvements

The previous method required around 60 days for the evaluation of answer sheets. However, the introduction of digital checking is anticipated to significantly shorten this timeframe. The board emphasizes that this transition is not merely a technical upgrade but a comprehensive enhancement of the examination process.

Guidelines for Students

Clear Writing is Essential

According to Mridu Gupta, a PGT teacher at Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Brahmapuri, Delhi, students have been advised to write legibly using a dark pen. When illustrating figures, a dark pencil should be used, and excessive erasing should be avoided. Since the answer sheets will be scanned for digital review, unclear handwriting or over-erasure could hinder readability, potentially affecting students' scores.

Elimination of Totaling Errors

Accuracy in Marking

One of the primary benefits of the new digital system is the elimination of totaling errors. The software will automatically calculate the scores for all questions, thereby reducing the likelihood of incorrect totals that previously arose from human mistakes, which often caused issues for students.

Faster and More Accurate Results

Improved Result Declaration

With digital checking, every answer will be marked, ensuring that no questions are overlooked, which will lead to more precise results. Additionally, the reduction in data entry tasks will facilitate quicker result announcements compared to earlier methods.