Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 10: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will introduce an On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books starting with the 2026 board examinations, scheduled to begin from February 17.
The move, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and accuracy in the assessment process, was communicated to principals of all CBSE-affiliated schools through an official circular dated February 9.
CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 examinations annually across India and in 26 countries worldwide, catering to nearly 46 lakh students. While the board is transitioning to digital evaluation for Class 12, it clarified that the evaluation of Class 10 answer scripts will continue in physical mode in 2026.
In the letter, CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj outlined multiple benefits of the OSM system, including the elimination of totalling errors, automated coordination with reduced manual intervention, and faster evaluation through wider teacher participation.
He noted that the system would result in significant savings in transportation time and costs, while allowing teachers to remain in their respective schools and continue their regular duties during the evaluation process.
The new digital framework will also do away with the need for post-result verification of marks, reduce manpower requirements, and enable teachers from all affiliated schools, including those abroad, to participate in the evaluation. Bhardwaj further described the initiative as an environmentally sustainable digital assessment model.
To facilitate the smooth rollout of OSM, CBSE has instructed schools to ensure adequate infrastructure, including a computer lab with a public static IP, systems running Windows OS 8 or above with at least 4 GB RAM, updated web browsers, Adobe Reader, reliable internet connectivity with a minimum speed of 2 Mbps, and uninterrupted power supply.
The board said further guidelines and training details will be shared in due course.