CBSE's OSM contract was awarded just 66 days before rollout after two failed tender attempts

The company at the centre of the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy secured the board's digital evaluation contract just 66 days before the system was rolled out nationwide, following two unsuccessful attempts to finalise a vendor, according to details reported by NDTV.

Hyderabad-based Coempt Edu Teck was awarded the contract on December 5, 2025, while CBSE announced the nationwide rollout of the OSM system on February 9, 2026. The timeline has drawn attention amid questions over the implementation of one of the board's biggest examination reforms.

According to officials, CBSE failed to finalise a vendor in its first two rounds of bidding. In the initial tender process, only one company reportedly qualified technically, forcing the bid to be cancelled under procurement rules. A second round also failed to produce a successful bidder.

The board subsequently revised certain technical requirements and invited fresh bids. In the final round, Coempt Edu Teck and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) qualified. Officials said Coempt was selected after quoting a substantially lower financial bid.

CBSE has maintained that procurement norms required the contract to be awarded to the lowest qualifying bidder. Both companies met the technical criteria during the final stage of the process, officials said.

The tender process has come under fresh scrutiny following concerns raised over answer-sheet mismatches during the evaluation cycle. While the board has acknowledged a limited number of such cases, it has defended the selection process and said the contract was awarded in accordance with established rules.

Officials also noted that Coempt has previously handled digital evaluation and post-examination management work for multiple state education boards.