The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from this year (2026) the answer sheets for the class 12 board examination will be evaluated via On Screen Marking system (OSM). This was announced via a circular issued to principals of all affiliated schools on February 9. However, answer scripts of class 10 board examinations will continue to be evaluated in physical mode, the circular stated.
In another major decision, the CBSE board authorities has decided that from this year, both the class X and class 12 board exams will be held twice a year. This year, both the class X and class 12 board exams will begin on February 17.
What is On Screen Marking System?
On-Screen Marking (OSM) is a new, digital answer script checking system that enables examiners to evaluate and mark answers on a computer screen rather than on physical answer scripts. The handwritten answer sheets are scanned into high quality images and evaluators simply do the markings digitally on a computer screen. CBSE is introducing this new OSM system for evaluation of the class 12 board exams from this year.
Advantages of On Screen Marking
The new OSM system is expected to add several advantages to board examination evaluation, making the process faster, more transparent and efficient. According to Mr Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Examination Controller, On Screen marking would eliminate totalling mistakes, doing away with time-consuming manual intervention. The new system would enable automated coordination resulting in quicker evaluation with broader participation of teachers. Teachers will no longer need to travel to evaluation centres saving transport costs and time. Instead they could digitally check answer papers sitting in their own schools.
Once OSM is implemented, there would be no need for post-result verification since totalling of marks would become error-free. The OSM system would enable all CBSE school teachers (including those serving in schools abroad) to participate in the evaluation process. OSM is an initiative of CBSE’s environmentally sustainable digital reform.
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Role of CBSE Affiliated Schools for OSM Implementation
In preparation of OSM implementation, all CBSE affiliated schools have been instructed to upgrade computer labs with specific system compliance, ensure a robust internet connection and uninterrupted electricity supply during the evaluation process. Schools are also required to upload the latest data on their teachers on an online portal. If a school fails to comply with these instructions could result in the school’s results being withheld.
CBSE Class X and XII Board Exams to be Held Twice a Year
It was also decided to hold the class X and XII board examinations twice as per the implementation of the two-board exam system starting from 2026. The main board exams for both class X and class XII (beginning from February 17) will be mandatory for students. An optional second “improvement” exam will be held around May after declaration of results, allowing students to improve their marks in specific subjects in which they feel an improvement is necessary. However no student will be allowed to appear in more than three subjects in the second attempt.
Advantages of Holding Board Exams Twice
The main purpose of holding board exams twice is to reduce exam pressure from students. The decision to allow students a second chance in the subjects they think they have not done well or have missed the exam due to an emergency or even failed in the paper, provides immense relief from the fear of losing an entire year.
This decision to hold bi-annual board exams is an intended shift from rote-learning to a competency based approach.
Conclusion
CBSE’s decisions to implement On Screen Marking and hold board exams twice a year are geared towards significant reforms to make examinations more transparent and efficiently managed in an increasingly digital learning environment. The aim is to gradually change the focus from traditional rote-learning to a digital teaching-learning process in tune with the fast changing times. All CBSE board examinees should take note of these changes and approach examinations accordingly.
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FAQs:-
ANS:- The On-Screen Marking (OSM) is a new, digital answer script checking system that enables examiners to evaluate and mark answers on a computer screen rather than on physical answer scripts.
ANS:- The new OSM system is expected to add several advantages to board examination evaluation, making the process faster, more transparent and efficient. It would eliminate totalling mistakes, doing away with time-consuming manual intervention.
ANS:- Yes, as per news reports, CBSE will hold the class X and XII board examinations twice following the implementation of the two-board exam system starting from 2026
ANS:- Yes, students stand to gain from the decision to hold board exams twice a year. The move will reduce exam pressure from students by allowing them a second chance in the subjects they think they have not done well or have missed the exam due to an emergency or even failed in the paper.
