New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform in the evaluation process for Class 12 board exams. From the 2026 examinations onwards, answer sheets of Class 12 students will be evaluated through On-Screen Marking (OSM) instead of the traditional manual checking system.
The decision has been communicated to all affiliated schools through an official notification dated 9 February 2026.
What is On-Screen Marking (OSM)?
Under the OSM system, physical answer books will be scanned and uploaded to a secure digital platform. Examiners will then evaluate the answer sheets on computers instead of checking physical copies.
This system is already used by several competitive exam bodies and is now being formally adopted for CBSE Class 12 board evaluation.
Why CBSE Introduced OSM
According to the Board, the move aims to:
- Reduce human errors such as incorrect totalling of marks
- Improve accuracy and transparency in evaluation
- Speed up the checking process
- Minimize logistical challenges of transporting answer sheets
- Enable better monitoring of examiners’ work
The digital system is also expected to reduce the need for post-result verification related to totalling errors.
What About Class 10?
CBSE has clarified that for 2026, only Class 12 answer sheets will be evaluated through OSM. Class 10 board exams will continue with the existing manual evaluation process for now.
Technical Requirements for Schools
To implement the new system smoothly, CBSE has instructed schools to ensure the availability of:
- Computer systems (minimum 4 GB RAM, Windows 8 or above)
- Updated browsers (Chrome / Edge / Firefox)
- Reliable internet connectivity (minimum 2 Mbps recommended)
- Uninterrupted power supply
- Required software such as Adobe Reader
Teachers registered in CBSE’s OASIS system will be given access to the OSM platform. The Board will conduct training sessions, dry runs, and provide support material to ensure a smooth transition.
What This Means for Students
For students, the change does not affect the exam pattern or syllabus. However, it is expected to:
- Improve accuracy in marking
- Reduce evaluation errors
- Potentially speed up the result declaration process
CBSE’s move marks a significant step toward modernization of the board examination system.
