The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new digital evaluation system called On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 board exams, which has drawn significant criticism from students and parents over unexpectedly low marks and technical glitches.
What is On-Screen Marking?
On-Screen Marking (OSM) is a digital evaluation process where answer sheets are scanned and uploaded to a central server, allowing teachers to assess them online. This replaces the traditional physical evaluation method, aiming to reduce errors and manual intervention.
Student Concerns
Many students have reported receiving marks much lower than expected, especially in Science stream subjects. Common complaints include unclear scanned copies of answer sheets, alleged inconsistencies in evaluation, and difficulty in identifying specific marking errors. Some students claim that their answers were not properly visible in the scanned images, leading to unfair deductions.
CBSE and Ministry of Education's Defence
CBSE and the Ministry of Education have defended the OSM system, stating that it enhances transparency and efficiency. They argue that digital evaluation reduces human errors and ensures faster result processing. Officials claim that OSM allows for better monitoring of evaluators and minimizes manual intervention.
Technical Challenges
Despite the benefits, the system has faced technical issues. Approximately 13,000 answer sheets required manual re-evaluation due to scanning problems, raising questions about the reliability of digital processes. These glitches have added to student concerns about the accuracy of their results.
Fee Reduction to Improve Transparency
In response to criticism, CBSE has reduced fees for accessing scanned answer sheets, verification, and re-evaluation. The fee for accessing scanned copies is now Rs 100, and re-evaluation requests also cost Rs 100. This move aims to make the process more affordable and transparent for students seeking clarity on their marks.
Key Statistics
- 9.8 million answer sheets scanned
- 13,000 answer sheets required manual re-evaluation
- 98.66% of answer sheets evaluated via OSM
- Rs 100 fee for accessing scanned answer sheets
- Rs 100 fee for re-evaluation requests
As the debate continues, CBSE maintains that OSM is a step towards modernization, but students demand better quality control and clearer communication to ensure fair assessment.
