Vani Jha
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a transformative change in the evaluation of Class 12 board examinations by shifting to digital assessment through an On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, starting with the 2026 exams. This marks a significant modernization in the way answer scripts are assessed, aiming to bring efficiency, accuracy and broader teacher participation to the evaluation process.
Under the new system, answer booklets for Class 12 will be scanned and evaluated digitally on computers rather than being manually transported and checked in conventional ways. The board says this will significantly cut down on totalling errors and reduce manual intervention in the evaluation process. Faster evaluation and quick result announcements are some of the key goals behind this shift.
CBSE has made it clear that the change currently applies only to Class 12 board exams, and Class 10 answer books will continue to be marked manually for the 2026 session. This phased implementation is intended to help schools adapt gradually to the new system.
Benefits of Digital Evaluation
According to CBSE officials, the On-Screen Marking system comes with several expected benefits:
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Faster Turnaround: Digital evaluation eliminates the long process of transporting answer booklets, helping the board announce results sooner than in previous years.
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Improved Transparency: The system maintains a digital record of marks, annotations and examiner comments, which can reduce mismatches or errors in manual recordings.
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Wider Participation: Teachers affiliated to CBSE schools across India and abroad can participate in evaluations from their own institutions, reducing travel and logistical challenges.
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Environmental and Operational Gains: Less paper movement and reduced manpower for physical verification also contribute to sustainability and lower evaluation costs.
Concerns Over Preparation Time
Despite the long-term advantages touted by CBSE, the move has not been welcomed without reservations. Several school principals and educators have expressed concerns about the limited time available to prepare for this transition as the board exams approach. With exams already scheduled to begin within weeks, schools must ensure they have adequate computers, reliable internet connectivity, stable power supply and trained evaluators ready to use the OSM platform effectively.
Many schools, especially those in smaller towns and rural areas, fear they may struggle to meet these requirements in time, raising questions about readiness and fair implementation. Some educators worry that insufficient training of teachers in the new digital marking system could affect the quality and consistency of evaluations.
Preparing for the Change
To support schools and teachers, CBSE has indicated plans to conduct dry runs, provide training sessions and release instructional resources. However, the extent to which these preparations will mitigate last-minute challenges remains to be seen.
As CBSE moves forward with its digital agenda, the success of this shift will likely depend on how quickly schools can adapt and whether the board can effectively bridge the technological gap across its wide network of affiliated institutions.