CBSE's Digital Marking Under Fire Amid Student Criticism
The Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) recent adoption of an on-screen marking (OSM) system, designed to streamline and modernise the marking process, has stirred a hornet's nest among students and parents alike. The system, introduced in the 2026 Class 12 board exams, was heralded as a leap forward in reducing human error and ensuring a more accurate assessment. However, the results have left many students feeling bereft and bewildered.
Reports of students achieving high scores in competitive exams like the JEE, yet receiving comparatively low percentages in their board results, have fuelled the fire. A particular case highlighted a student who secured a 97 percentile in the JEE but only managed 67 per cent in the board exams, prompting questions about the consistency and reliability of the new system.
Efficiency vs. Accuracy
CBSE's education secretary, Sanjay Kumar, defended the OSM system, emphasising its role in eliminating totalling errors and providing a more transparent evaluation process. According to Kumar, the shift to digital assessment was necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and to address longstanding issues with manual checking.
Despite the board's assurances, the discontent among students is palpable. Only 1% of candidates scored 95% and above, while around 94,000 managed to cross the 90% threshold. Students have taken to social media to express their frustrations, with many calling for a return to manual evaluation methods that they believe offer a more comprehensive assessment of their capabilities.
Calls for Change
The backlash has prompted a wave of appeals and petitions to the CBSE, demanding a review of the marking process. Critics argue that the digital system, whilst efficient, may overlook the nuances of individual student performance, particularly in subjective subjects.
As the debate rages on, the CBSE is faced with the challenge of reconciling technological efficiency with the expectations of its stakeholders. For now, the digital versus manual marking debate continues to be a contentious issue, with the future of student assessments hanging in the balance.
