Education Ministry Defends On-Screen Marking Amid CBSE Exam Concerns

The Ministry of Education defended the use of On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the CBSE class 12 exams, despite concerns about its impact on students' scores. The system, reintroduced in 2023, enhances transparency and flexibility in evaluation. Special provisions are in place to ensure fair marking, addressing any potential inaccuracies.

The Ministry of Education on Sunday addressed concerns regarding On-Screen Marking (OSM) affecting class 12 exam scores, affirming that it is a long-standing procedure for the CBSE. Stressing the precision of OSM, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar assured stakeholders of its international alignment and fair evaluation process.

Amidst apprehensions about the dip in the Central Board of Secondary Education's pass percentage, Kumar clarified that OSM is not a novel concept. Initially introduced in 2014, OSM has been reintroduced this year, enabling evaluation beyond geographical constraints. This method is bolstered by technology used by international school boards for enhanced transparency.

Kumar reported that over 98 lakh class 12 answer sheets were scanned, with manual evaluations conducted for those with legibility challenges. Provisions for re-evaluation remain under the CBSE framework, simplifying access for students to review their scores. The Ministry reiterates its focus on student welfare over financial considerations for this initiative.