The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSC) has announced the introduction of On-Screen Marking Systems for Class 12 exam evaluations.
The decision was communicated to principals and heads of all CBSC schools through an official notice.
The directive will begin on February 17.
What is On-Screen Marking system?
The Board said that it is transitioning to digital evaluations for senior secondary exams while clarifying that Class 10 answer books will continue to be evaluated under the physical mode as before 2026.
The official notice stated, “In its continuous effort to enhance efficiency and transparency, the Board has decided to introduce On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books beginning with the 2026 examinations. The evaluation of Class 10 answer books will continue in physical mode as before in 2026.”
On-Screen Marking is a platfrom which allows pen and paper evaluations to be done on a computer screen. The platform distributes the paper-based answer sheets electronically and marks them on screen by examiners.
The software records the marks digitally along with comments and annotations from examiners.
According to CBSC, the shift to digital evaluation for Class 12 is expected to streamline the assessment process and minimise manual errors.
OSM system helps eliminate totalling errors and automate the coordination process.
The OSM will also enable faster evaluation and allow wider participation from teachers.
Teachers will now be able to conduct evaluations from their own schools, which will result in significant time savings and transportation costs.
The board also said that a post-result verification of the marks would no longer be required, which would reduce manpower needs, which will enable all CBSC-affiliated schools, including those overseas, to participate in the evaluation process.
To implement and smoothly transition to the new system, CBSC has directed schools to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is available, including computer labs, public static IPs, systems running Windows OS 8 or above with at least 4 GB RAM, updated web browsers, Adobe Reader, reliable internet connectivity (minimum 2 Mbps), and uninterrupted power supply.
CBSC will also be supporting schools through training programmes, multiple dry runs, instruction videos and a dedicated centre for issue resolution.
The board conducts class 10 and 12 examinations in India and in 26 countries to nearly 46 lakh students annually.