A video showing students defending the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has ignited another wave of online controversy. Social media users have raised concerns over why toppers from an earlier batch appeared in promotional-style clips. The video featured students from Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 Imphal speaking positively about the newly introduced digital evaluation process. They described the OSM system as “unbiased”, “transparent”, “neutral”, “systematic”, and “accountable”.
Viral Post Raises Questions
A post shared by a user on X claimed, “My brother from KV Imphal just shared me a video of students being asked to praise CBSE OSM. The crazy part is OSM was introduced this year. 2024-25 batch didn’t even study under it, yet toppers are now being used for promotion like it changed their board experience.” The videos drew particular attention because some students appearing in them were reportedly from the 2024-25 topper batch, as visible from posters in the background, even though the OSM system was introduced only this year.
Student Testimonials in the Clip
In the clip, one student said, “newly introduced OSM system was just unbiased and transparent” and added that she was satisfied with her marks. She also urged students to “embrace technology” and called the system “time efficient and just”. Another student claimed she secured 98.2 per cent in the examination and described the on-screen marking process as “neutral and impartial”. She added that the system reduced the chances of errors and should continue in future examinations with “more openness towards students as well as teachers”.
Online Backlash and Allegations
However, the videos quickly triggered criticism online. Several users alleged that the clips appeared to be part of an image-management effort amid the ongoing OSM controversy. One social media user wrote, “Kendriya Vidyalaya Imphal is taking the education system to a false standard where students especially toppers are being taught to lie publicly... it’s a disgrace.” Another user posted, “The entire govt is running on PR campaigns and marketing gimmick to save their image.”
Background of OSM Controversy
CBSE’s OSM system has been facing criticism over alleged answer-sheet mismatches, portal glitches, and evaluation discrepancies raised by students across the country. The system, introduced for the first time this year, aims to digitize the evaluation process but has encountered technical and procedural challenges.
