The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced its decision to introduce on-screen marking (OSM) to evaluate Class 12 answer books, starting with the 2026 board examinations. The move is part of the board’s continuous effort to enhance efficiency and transparency.
In an official communication to all the principals and heads of CBSE-affiliated schools, it has stated that this is being done for Class 12 only, while the evaluation of Class 10 answer books will continue in physical mode in 2026.
On-screen marking: What it means?
Under this, the answer books of all the Class 12 students this year will get evaluated digitally on a computer.
On Monday (February 9), the circular issued by Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, stated that the latest move is aimed at eliminating totalling errors and faster evaluation. It will allow teachers to remain in their schools and continue with their regular duties.
Notably, the Class 10 and 12 board examinations are conducted by CBSE on an annual basis in India and across 26 countries. Overall, it caters to about 46 lakh students, making it a large-scale exercise.
The board is all set to conduct the 2026 examinations for classes 10 and 12 from February 17. While Class 10 exams will conclude on March 11, the Class 12 boards will continue till April 10.
According to The Indian Express, teachers of classes 11 and 12 will be deployed for on-screen marking.
The latest initiative by CBSE is aimed at streamlining evaluation and reduce dependence on manual processes.
Benefits of on-screen marking
In its official notification, the board has mentioned several benefits behind the shift to digital evaluation.
1. It will eliminate totalling errors since marks will get calculated automatically.
2. Automated coordination, thus reducing manual intervention along with the scope for mistakes.
3. Faster evaluation through wide teacher participation.
4. Teachers to continue with regular duties as they can remain in their schools.
5. Savings in transportation time and costs.
6. There will be no need of post-result verification of marks.
7. Reduction in manpower required for verification.
8. All affiliated schools get the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation.
9. Teachers from all affiliated schools worldwide can get involved in evaluation.
10. Environmentally sustainable digital evaluation.
Meanwhile, affiliated schools have been asked to ensure the readiness for the evaluation work.
They are required to have a computer lab with Public Static IP (as per Affiliation Bye-Laws). Schools need to have PCs or laptops with Windows OS 8 or above, 4 GB RAM or higher, and 1 GB free space on the C drive.
Further, they need to have latest internet browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Internet Explorer as well as Adobe Reader installed.
Also, reliable internet connectivity is needed, with a minimum speed of 2 Mbps along with uninterrupted power supply.
CBSE to facilitate smooth implementation
In order to help schools to adapt to the latest system, CBSE will allow all teachers with OASIS IDs to log in and familiarise themselves with it.
The board will conduct multiple dry runs for practice and organise training programmes for teachers to explain the system.
To issue resolution, it will even establish a call centre and release instructional videos for better understanding.
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