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Concerns Arise Over CBSE's On-Screen Marking System for Class 12 Exams

The implementation of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system by CBSE for Class 12 exams has come under scrutiny following shocking revelations from a technician involved in the process. Claims about substandard software, unqualified personnel, and a growing backlog of answer sheets have raised serious concerns about the integrity and reliability of the evaluation system. This article delves into the alarming details that challenge the effectiveness of the OSM system and its ability to ensure fair assessment for students.
By Ambika Singh May 20, 2026, 15:23 IST
Concerns Arise Over CBSE's On-Screen Marking System for Class 12 Exams

Introduction to the Controversy



The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has implemented the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets for the 2026 examinations, which was initially promoted as a foolproof method. However, a technician involved in the scanning process has disclosed shocking information that raises serious concerns.


Revelations About the Scanning Process

During a phone interview with a reporter posing as a Class 12 student, the technician made alarming claims about the OSM system. This conversation has sparked significant doubts regarding the scanning procedures, software quality, and the overall assessment of answer sheets.


Quality Issues with Software and Hardware

Subpar Software and Hardware:



  • Basic Software: The technician criticized the software for being poorly optimized, stating it was so basic that 'even a child could have built it.' Frequent crashes and lagging were common issues.


  • Data Loss Concerns: If an answer sheet failed to upload after scanning, all previously captured data would be lost, requiring a complete re-scan.


  • Inadequate Hardware: The scanning relied on Logitech webcams and low-performance processors, causing frequent system freezes despite the small file sizes of the answer sheets.



Who Conducted the Scanning?

Unqualified Personnel:



  • Freelancers and Students: Most individuals scanning the answer sheets were part-time undergraduate students from fields like AI and B.Tech. They were instructed only to scan and not to read the content.


  • Low Compensation: Technicians received only ₹2 per scanned sheet, with payments still pending. Their shifts lasted from 9 AM to 6 PM and 8 PM to 11 PM, with no days off, allowing them to scan up to 700 sheets daily.



Backlogs and Missing Sheets


  • Growing Backlog: The technician noted a continuous backlog due to the influx of answer sheets, expressing concern that some sheets might not even reach the scanning stage.


  • Pending Bundles: Each bundle contained 60 to 100 sheets, and if one sheet had an issue, the entire bundle was flagged for manual verification.


  • Post-Exam Operations: Operations continued until April 12, with around 35,000 sheets received at one center, leading to a backlog of 10,000 sheets.



Quality Control Failures

Negligence in Quality Assurance:



  • Blurred Copies Approved: Many illegible answer sheets were mistakenly sent for evaluation due to poor quality control.


  • Automatic Rejections: Technical issues led to many sheets being rejected by the system, halting their evaluation process.



Lack of Oversight

No Supervision or Security:


The technician reported a complete absence of police or official oversight at the scanning center. There were no inspections from CBSE officials, and while CCTV cameras monitored the centers, the identity of the company handling the scanning remained undisclosed. This raises significant doubts about the transparency and reliability of the OSM system.


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