CBSE Class 12 re-evaluation window opens today amid OSM row; over 4 lakh apply
Concerns over digital evaluation, portal glitches, and transparency push CBSE into damage-control mode as it grapples with one of the biggest post-result controversies it has faced
The re-evaluation window for Class 12 board examinations opened on Friday (May 29) amid one of the biggest post-result controversies the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has faced in recent years.
The board’s newly-introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has triggered widespread concern among students and parents, leading to an unprecedented rush for answer-sheet access and raising broader questions about transparency in the evaluation process.
According to official CBSE figures, 4,04,319 students have so far applied to access their answer scripts, collectively requesting 11,31,961 answer books. Of these, 8,98,214 answer sheets have already been digitally furnished by the board.
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Despite the huge numbers, it remains unclear how many students will ultimately move ahead with verification of marks or re-evaluation. Many are expected to stop after reviewing their scanned copies, while others may proceed further depending on discrepancies they identify.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday (May 28) had indicated that roughly 20 per cent of students may eventually opt for re-evaluation, although the final figure will emerge only after the process progresses further.
OSM sparks nationwide complaints
The controversy began soon after CBSE declared the Class 12 results this year under the new OSM system, where evaluators checked scanned digital copies of answer sheets instead of physical scripts.
CBSE had projected the shift as a move aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. However, social media was soon flooded with complaints from students alleging unusually low marks, unchecked answers, incomplete evaluations, blurred scans, and repeated technical glitches while accessing answer sheets online.
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The situation escalated after several students and parents posted screenshots online claiming that portions of answer sheets appeared either partially marked or mismatched.
The issue rapidly snowballed into a wider debate over the reliability of digital evaluation systems in high-stakes examinations.
CBSE cuts fees after massive backlash
Facing mounting criticism, CBSE substantially reduced the fee structure for post-result services.
Under the revised system, students now pay Rs 100 per subject for scanned copies of answer sheets and Rs 100 per subject for verification of marks. Re-evaluation will be charged on a per-question basis. Earlier, the charges stood at Rs 700 for scanned copies, Rs 500 for verification, and Rs 100 per question for re-evaluation.
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The board also announced that re-evaluation charges would be refunded if marks increase after review.
The rollback came after widespread outrage from students and parents already grappling with portal crashes and evaluation concerns.
Trust deficit deepens
The controversy has since expanded beyond marks alone. CBSE has faced criticism over technical glitches, questions surrounding OSM transparency, alleged cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and confusion regarding answer-sheet access.
A teenage hacker’s viral claims about vulnerabilities in a CBSE-linked portal further intensified concerns, although the board later clarified that the actual evaluation system had not been compromised and that screenshots circulating online involved only a testing platform containing sample data.
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Political reactions also followed, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning the transparency of the digital evaluation process and contracts linked to the OSM system. CBSE, however, defended the integrity of its evaluation mechanism and rejected allegations of irregularities.
For millions of students, the issue has now evolved into a larger question of trust in one of India’s biggest school examination systems. As the re-evaluation process begins, thousands are expected to log in again, hoping a second review finally brings clarity after weeks of confusion and controversy.