At an age when most students are focused on exams, coaching classes, and planning their future, a Class 12 student has found himself at the center of a national debate on how India's board exam system operates. Sarthak Sidhant's detailed blog on CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, which examines official documents linked to the contract awarded for digital evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets, has triggered widespread discussion. Several opposition leaders shared the blog on social media, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who raised questions about the process and demanded accountability from the government.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted at a time when CBSE's digital evaluation system for Class 12 answer sheets was already under scrutiny. Students had raised concerns about possible errors and lack of transparency in the digital evaluation process, prompting Sarthak to delve deeper into the issue.
Who is Sarthak Sidhant?
Sarthak Sidhant is a Class 12 student from Ranchi, Jharkhand, who came into public view after publishing a comprehensive blog analyzing CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system and related tender documents. After appearing for his Class 12 exams, he requested scanned copies of his answer sheets and noticed discrepancies in his marks. This led him to examine the digital evaluation process more closely.
Key Findings
Sarthak's work primarily focuses on comparing different versions of CBSE's procurement and tender documents available on public platforms. He has claimed to identify multiple changes across successive rounds of bidding, pointing to modifications in eligibility criteria, performance clauses, and certification requirements in the tender documents. According to him, these alterations raise serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the process.
Methodology and Support
His findings are based on official records from public procurement portals and are supported by technical analysis conducted with the help of researchers and journalists. Sarthak has also appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, where he presented his findings on the OSM system and raised concerns about evaluation and tendering processes.
Impact and Reactions
The student's efforts have sparked a national debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the CBSE's evaluation system. The issue has also highlighted the role of young citizens in holding institutions accountable through meticulous research and public engagement.
