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 sheets starting with the 2026 board examinations, which will begin on February 17.
The decision, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in the assessment process, was communicated to principals of all CBSE-affiliated schools through a circular issued on February 9.
CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 examinations every year in India and across 26 countries, covering nearly 46 lakh students. While the board is transitioning to digital evaluation for Class 12 examinations, it clarified that the evaluation of Class 10 answer books will continue in the physical mode in 2026.
In the communication, CBSE’s Controller of Examinations, Sanyam Bhardwaj, outlined several benefits of the on-screen marking system. These include the elimination of totalling errors, automated coordination with reduced manual intervention, and faster evaluation through wider participation of teachers.
The board said the move would also result in significant savings in transportation time and costs, as teachers will be able to carry out evaluation work from their own schools while continuing their regular duties. Bhardwaj added that post-result verification of marks would no longer be required, manpower requirements for verification would be reduced, and teachers from all CBSE-affiliated schools — including those overseas — would be able to participate in the evaluation process.
CBSE also described OSM as an environmentally sustainable step towards digital assessment.
To facilitate the transition, the board has instructed schools to ensure adequate infrastructure, including a computer lab with a public static IP, systems running Windows OS 8 or higher 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.
Teachers registered on CBSE’s Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) portal will be given access to familiarise themselves with the platform. The board will also conduct multiple dry runs, organise training programmes, set up a dedicated call centre for troubleshooting, and release instructional videos. Detailed operational guidelines will be issued separately, CBSE said.
The board clarified that the circular was meant to inform schools in advance and seek necessary preparations ahead of the rollout of the on-screen marking system for Class 12 examinations in 2026.
Welcoming the move, Sudha Acharya, principal of Delhi-based ITL Public School, said the initiative would help minimise human errors in evaluation. “Teachers will be trained by CBSE before the commencement of OSM for Class 12. It will enable faster evaluation, reduce travel to evaluation centres, and save time and effort,” she said.
However, she also flagged concerns about teachers’ wellbeing, noting that prolonged screen time during the evaluation process could pose health-related challenges.
