The Central Board of Secondary Education is making a major change in its exam evaluation process. From 2026, CBSE Class 12 board exam papers will be checked with On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. This means that now they will be checked digitally using a computer screen. However, the board has made it clear that the Class 10 exam papers will still be checked in the old way, i.e. physical mode. Digital evaluation will reduce mistakes, checking will be faster and teachers will be able to check papers from their school itself. It is noteworthy that every year, CBSE conducts class 10 and 12 board exams in 26 countries, in which approximately 4.6 million students participate. It is difficult to check papers at such a large level. To make it faster, easier and more transparent, On-Screen Marking System (OSM) will be implemented.
Exams will start from this time
In the released notification, it has been said that this year’s CBSE board exams will start from February 17. Class 10th board exams will end on March 11. However, class 12th exams will continue till April 10. Therefore, checking the answer sheet digitally is being seen as a big change.
What is on-screen marking system?
On-screen marking is a digital evaluation process. In this process, the answer sheets of the students will be scanned and uploaded on an online platform. Then the teacher will log in to their computer or laptop and mark the answers by reading them directly on the screen. In this way the need of sending answer sheets from one place to another is eliminated, which saves time. In a circular issued by CBSE, it has been said that this system will also help in reducing the common mistakes and delays during manual checking.
How will this system work?
CBSE also explained the benefits of on-screen marking system in its circular. He stated that:
This system will reduce the need to move copies and reconnect them manually.
Teachers will be able to check copies from their school itself, which will eliminate the need to go to the testing centre.
Checking of copies will be faster than before.
After the result the need for verification will reduce.
Mistakes in adding total marks will be eliminated.
Both time and expense will be saved.
CBSE affiliated schools abroad will also be able to easily participate in the evaluation process.
According to the board, this digital method is also better for the environment, because it reduces the use of paper and transportation.
More teachers will be able to participate in this process simultaneously.
Guidelines for schools
To implement the on-screen marking system properly, CBSE has asked schools to keep some important digital features ready. The circular issued states:
Computer lab with public static IP address.
A computer or laptop running Windows OS 8 or above with at least 4GB RAM and 1GB free space is required.
An updated internet browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox is required.
Adobe Reader software is also required.
A stable internet speed of at least 2 Mbps is required.
