The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over students’ dissatisfaction with CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “Just look at how disappointed these young students are.”
The court said it was not seeking a confrontation with the government but believed there were problems with the system. It asked CBSE to explain the steps it has taken to improve the evaluation process and also sought the Centre’s cooperation.
CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is a digital evaluation process in which scanned copies of answer sheets are checked on a computer. Instead of marking paper scripts, teachers assess the answer sheets on a digital screen.
OSM system and the government’s response
CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system allows teachers to assess scanned copies of answer sheets on a computer instead of checking paper scripts.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that most complaints related to individual students’ mark sheets had already been resolved and that the government was taking the issue seriously.
He said a one-member commission headed by S. Radha Chauhan had been set up to review the evaluation system and recommend reforms.
Mehta added that the government was not treating the matter as a confrontation and that the committee was already examining the complaints.
What happened after the CBSE results?
May 13: CBSE announced the Class 12 board examination results.
May 19: The re-evaluation portal opened but crashed on the first day.
May 20-23: The deadline for applying for photocopies of answer sheets was extended three times. Students complained about blurred copies, high fees and repeated website crashes.
May 25: CBSE sought help from two IITs to fix the portal and strengthen it against cyberattacks. The board said the re-evaluation portal would reopen on June 1.
June 1: The re-evaluation portal did not open throughout the day.
June 2: CBSE said the portal had gone live and would remain open until June 6.
Petition seeks clear rules
The public interest litigation was filed by Rakesh Binjola through advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla.
The petition asks the Supreme Court to direct the Central Government and CBSE to introduce clear rules for the OSM evaluation system used in board examinations.
It also seeks the formation of a high-level committee to monitor the system and recommend improvements.
The petition further requests relief for students who have already received provisional admission or cleared entrance examinations by relaxing minimum qualifying marks. It also asks the court to exempt affected students from the requirement of securing at least 75% or any other minimum Class 12 marks for admission to various courses.
