NEW DELHI — In a landmark shift toward a tech-driven examination ecosystem, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the implementation of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 answer books, beginning with the 2026 board exams. The board issued a formal communication to all affiliated school principals on February 9, 2026, outlining the transition from red pens to digital cursors.
While Class 12 marks a major leap into digital assessment, the board clarified that Class 10 evaluation will continue in the traditional physical mode for the 2026 session.
1. Why the Shift? Advantages of Digital Marking
CBSE’s Examinations Controller, Sanyam Bhardwaj, emphasized that the move is designed to cater to nearly 46 lakh students across India and 26 other countries.
Key Benefits Noted by the Board:
- Zero Totalling Errors: The system automatically calculates marks, eliminating one of the most common causes for re-evaluation requests.
- Faster Results: Digital distribution of answer scripts reduces transportation time and costs, leading to quicker processing of results.
- Teacher Convenience: Educators can perform evaluation duties from their own schools, allowing them to balance regular teaching duties without commuting to external evaluation centers.
- Sustainability: The “environmentally sustainable” model significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with moving millions of physical answer books.
2. Infrastructure Requirements for Schools
To facilitate this rollout, CBSE has mandated that affiliated schools upgrade their computer labs. The minimum requirements include:
- OS: Windows 8 or above.
- Hardware: Minimum 4 GB RAM.
- Connectivity: Dedicated Public Static IP and minimum 2 Mbps internet speed.
- Power: Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to prevent data loss during evaluation.
3. Support and Training Roadmap
Acknowledging the magnitude of the change, the board has committed to a robust support system:
- OASIS Integration: Teachers with OASIS IDs will get early access to the portal to familiarize themselves with the interface.
- Practice Runs: CBSE will conduct multiple “dry runs” and training programs before the official start on February 17.
- Dedicated Call Center: A specialized help desk and instructional videos will be provided to resolve technical glitches in real-time.
4. Principal’s Take: Efficiency vs. Screen Fatigue
Educationists have largely welcomed the move, though some concerns remain regarding teacher health.
“It is an excellent initiative that will minimize human errors and save time,” said Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School. “However, there is an apprehension that spending long hours on screens may affect the well-being of teachers.”