New Delhi, 12 Feb (.) Announcing a shift in the assessment of Class 12 Board examination papers, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday notified the introduction of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.
OSM is a digital tool that allows teachers to evaluate scanned answer sheets on a computer, while the software automatically compiles the scores.
Officials from CBSE said the system is expected to offer multiple advantages, including the elimination of totalling errors, automated coordination that reduces manual intervention, faster evaluation with wider teacher participation, no need for post-result verification of marks, cutting delays after results, and a reduced manpower requirement for verification-related work.
In a February 9 circular to principals and heads of all CBSE-affiliated schools, the Board said digital assessment will begin for Class 12 from 2026, while evaluation for Class 10 will continue in the physical mode for the time being.
The Board further noted that the OSM system would be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as teachers can check answer books from their respective schools while continuing their regular duties, leading to savings in transportation time and costs.
Following Tuesday’s directive, the Board will conduct a two-hour live webcast on Friday, February 13, four days ahead of the start of the board examinations, to familiarise principals and heads of all CBSE-affiliated schools with the changes in the modalities for conducting the national-level exam, according to an official notification issued on Wednesday.
CBSE is conducting the Secondary and Senior Secondary Board Examinations 2026 for the students of more than 31,000 schools affiliated to it in India and 26 countries abroad from February 17 to April 10. About 46 lakh students will appear for these examinations at more than 8074 centres across the country and abroad.
. MBJ .