CBSE backs OSM process, issues fresh guidelines on Class 12 verification and re-evaluation framework

Two days after declaring the Class 12 board examination results, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday issued a detailed circular outlining a new post-result grievance redressal and re-evaluation framework under its recently introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

The move comes amid concerns raised by teachers and schools over alleged technical issues during the digital evaluation process, including blurred scanned answer sheets, server failures and repeated disruptions while checking copies.


Under the On-Screen Marking system introduced for Class 12 Board Examinations 2026, answer books were scanned and uploaded on a digital platform for remote evaluation by examiners. In its circular issued by Controller of Examinations Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, the Board defended the system and listed several claimed benefits of OSM, including reduction in manual handling, elimination of totalling and uploading errors, transparency and scalability in evaluation.

CBSE defends On-Screen Marking system

The Board stated that the system “ensures every answer is evaluated as per marking scheme” and “eliminates totalling, posting and uploading errors”. It also said detailed guidelines and practice sessions had been provided to evaluators before implementation of the system nationwide.

However, teachers involved in the evaluation process had earlier reported difficulties while assessing scanned answer books. Some evaluators complained that several answer scripts appeared blurred and required repeated zooming during checking. Others flagged server crashes, unsaved corrections and disappearance of answer books from the system after evaluation.

Two-stage post-result process introduced

Against this backdrop, the Board has now introduced a two-stage post-result process for students seeking clarification or re-evaluation of marks.

As per the circular, students will first be allowed to obtain scanned copies of their evaluated answer books online. In the second stage, candidates can apply either for “verification of issue(s) observed” or for “re-evaluation of answer(s)”.

The Board has scheduled May 19 to May 22 for applications seeking scanned copies of answer books. The fee has been fixed at Rs 700 per subject. Applications for verification of issues and re-evaluation will be accepted from May 26 to May 29. Verification requests will cost Rs 500 per answer book, while re-evaluation will cost Rs 100 per question.

Read the official notice here.

Students asked to verify scanned copies

In the FAQ section attached with the circular, CBSE specifically advised students to check whether their answer books had been “correctly scanned” after receiving the copies. Students have also been asked to verify whether all pages, supplementary sheets and graphs are visible in the uploaded scripts.

The Board further directed students to compare their answers with the official marking schemes available on the CBSE website before applying for re-evaluation. It said applications must clearly mention the questions being challenged along with reasons.

CBSE also clarified that marks may increase or decrease after re-evaluation and that revised results would be final and binding on candidates. Candidates whose marks change after re-evaluation will have to surrender their original mark statement-cum-certificate before issuance of a revised one.

The Board declared Class 12 results on Wednesday, recording an overall pass percentage of 85.20 per cent. The figure marks a decline from 88.39 per cent in 2025 and 87.98 per cent in 2024.

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