Last Updated: 8 June 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced a fully digital On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the Class 12 Board Examinations in 2026 to modernise the evaluation process. Under the system, physical answer books were scanned and uploaded to a digital platform for assessment by examiners across the country.
According to CBSE’s Class 12 Result Press Release and post-result notices issued during the 2025-26 academic session, the evaluation exercise covered more than 17 lakh students and approximately 98.66 lakh answer books. While the initiative was intended to improve efficiency and standardisation, concerns raised during the re-evaluation process have led to administrative reviews, legal proceedings and a government inquiry.
Timeline of Key Developments
|
Period |
Status |
Development |
|
August 2025 |
Historical |
Final OSM tender reportedly issued |
|
Early 2026 |
Confirmed |
Digital evaluation system implemented |
|
May 2026 |
Confirmed |
CBSE Class 12 results declared |
|
May–June 2026 |
Ongoing |
Verification and re-evaluation process conducted |
|
June 2026 |
Ongoing |
Inquiry and court proceedings continue |
Overview of the OSM Evaluation System
|
Particulars |
Reported Details |
|
Students Covered |
Over 17 lakh |
|
Answer Books Processed |
Approximately 98.66 lakh |
|
Evaluators Involved |
Around 70,000 |
|
Evaluation Method |
On-Screen Marking |
|
Service Provider |
Coempt Edu Teck Pvt Ltd |
Source Context: Figures are based on CBSE result documents, evaluation-related notices and reporting published during the 2026 examination cycle.
Reported Issues During Re-Evaluation
Student Complaints
Following the declaration of results, some candidates reported discrepancies while reviewing scanned copies of their answer sheets through CBSE’s post-result facilities.
Media reports documented cases in which students alleged that uploaded answer sheets did not correspond to their responses or handwriting. Other complaints involved blurred scans, missing pages and difficulties in reviewing answer books during the verification process.
These reports formed part of the broader discussion surrounding the implementation of the OSM system. CBSE has addressed some individual cases and continued processing verification requests through its official channels.
Verification Requests
According to reports based on CBSE’s post-result verification data published during May and June 2026, demand for answer-sheet review services was substantial.
|
Verification Activity |
Reported Figure* |
|
Requests for Scanned Copies |
Over 11.3 lakh |
|
Cases Entering Re-Checking Process |
Around 3.8 lakh |
Reporting Period: May–June 2026. Figures reported by national media outlets citing CBSE’s post-result verification process.
Portal Performance and Cybersecurity Concerns
Students also reported technical issues while using the verification and re-evaluation portal, including login failures, payment-related errors and application tracking difficulties. CBSE subsequently issued notices regarding fee-related concerns and extended certain deadlines during the review period.
Separately, media reports cited cybersecurity researchers who identified potential vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure supporting examination services. Reports also referred to cyberattack attempts targeting online systems.
Several aspects of these findings remain under review. As of 8 June 2026, no final inquiry report has been released regarding the cybersecurity concerns reported in the media.
Procurement Process Under Examination
Vendor Selection
Attention has also focused on the procurement process through which Coempt Edu Teck Pvt Ltd was selected to provide services related to answer-sheet scanning and digital evaluation.
Publicly reported procurement records indicated that the contract value was approximately ₹384 crore. Subsequent media investigations, parliamentary discussions and public commentary examined aspects of the tender process and eligibility criteria.
Reported Tender Changes Under Review
The following provisions have been referenced in media reports, procurement analyses and ongoing discussions. These matters are currently subject to official review, and no final findings have been issued.
|
Parameter |
Earlier Provision |
Later Provision |
|
Blacklisting Criteria |
Previous blacklisting considered |
Current blacklisting considered |
|
CMMI Certification |
Level 5 |
Level 3 |
|
Scanner Standard |
300 DPI robotic scanners |
Minimum 200 DPI scanners |
|
Cooling-Off Period |
Two years |
One year |
The government inquiry and related reviews are expected to examine these issues and determine whether procurement norms were followed.
Government and Judicial Developments
The central government has transferred senior CBSE officials and initiated an inquiry into issues related to the implementation of the OSM system and the associated procurement process.
Separately, petitions concerning alleged discrepancies in the evaluation process have been filed before the Delhi High Court. Court proceedings remain ongoing, and responses have been sought from the concerned authorities.
Reader Safety Advisory
- Use only official CBSE portals for verification and re-evaluation services.
- Verify updates through CBSE notifications and official announcements.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords or login credentials with anyone.
- Avoid individuals or agencies claiming guaranteed mark corrections.
- Be cautious of unofficial payment links, emails or messages requesting personal information.
Conclusion
The rollout of CBSE’s On-Screen Marking system represents one of the largest digital evaluation initiatives undertaken in India’s school education sector. While the system was introduced to streamline assessment, concerns raised during the 2026 examination cycle have resulted in administrative scrutiny, legal review and ongoing investigation.
As inquiry findings and court proceedings continue, readers should rely on official CBSE notifications, government communications and judicial records for the most up-to-date information.
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on CBSE notices, result documents, court proceedings, government actions and media reports available as of 8 June 2026. Information relating to investigations, procurement reviews and legal proceedings remains subject to change. Official notifications, court orders and CBSE communications shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy.