CBSE insists ‘no vulnerability reported’ amid escalating OSM row
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has turned to social media to reassure parents and students of the integrity of its On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, asserting that the digital evaluation process relies on a highly secure and resilient IT architecture. The statement, posted on X, arrives on the heels of mounting online backlash, with numerous students and parents raising questions regarding the accountability and transparency of electronic grading.
Accompanying the Board's digital post was an informational graphic outlining the various safety protocols built into the OSM framework. The CBSE maintained that answer scripts are rigorously protected throughout both the digitisation and evaluation phases.
To address the growing public concern, the Board highlighted the following points regarding the system's security:
- No security breaches or technical vulnerabilities have been logged within the live grading portal.
- The software platform undergoes routine testing and validation by empanelled security auditors.
- The digital ecosystem features extensive quality controls and integrated safeguards designed to ensure the secure digitisation and handling of all exam papers.
Despite the CBSE reiterating that answer books remain completely secure under stringent quality-control measures meant to guarantee precision, fairness and confidentiality, the student community remains largely unconvinced.
Public scepticism is evident across social media. One user on X expressed frustration, noting that if an overwhelming majority of Year 12 pupils are reporting anomalies in their marks, the Board's defensive claims feel out of touch. The user argued that it is highly unlikely that so many students are fabricating complaints, and demanded that the digital system be scrapped in favour of a manual re-evaluation by teachers.
The controversy also resonated politically on Thursday, drawing a response from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a Lok Sabha session.
Addressing comments made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding alleged irregularities in CBSE grading and the OSM platform, the Minister clarified that the system's procurement strictly adhered to Government of India protocols. He assured parliamentarians that if any malpractice is uncovered, stringent action will be taken against those responsible.
Furthermore, the Education Minister urged public figures and politicians to exercise caution in their public commentary, warning that unsubstantiated statements could inadvertently heighten academic anxiety and negatively impact the mental well-being of students.