Students across several schools have alleged that they were being pressured to publicly endorse the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) controversial On-Screen Marking (OSM) system even as criticism over digital evaluation continues to grow online.

The allegations surfaced after a Reddit post by a student went viral, claiming that teachers were instructing students to upload Instagram stories and social media posts declaring that they had ‘no problem with OSM checking’ despite widespread complaints surrounding the evaluation process this year.

According to the viral post, students were allegedly asked to record or upload statements mentioning their names, stream, percentage, and support for the digital correction system.

The student claimed the message circulated by teachers effectively asked pupils to publicly certify that the evaluation process had been fair and transparent.

The controversy intensified after two videos from a PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya school in Jaipur began circulating on the social media platform X before later being deleted.

In the videos, a student and a teacher were seen speaking positively about the CBSE OSM system and defending the digital evaluation model amid mounting criticism.

 

One of the students featured in the video, who reportedly scored 96 per cent, stated that the marks awarded matched expectations and described the evaluation as fair.

The videos quickly triggered debate online, with several users questioning whether schools were being encouraged to counter negative sentiment around OSM through coordinated public messaging.

The row comes at a time when CBSE’s digital evaluation system is already facing intense scrutiny from students and parents over alleged technical glitches, confusion regarding answer-sheet access, discrepancies in marking, and dissatisfaction with the re-evaluation process.

As outrage spread online, Education Ministry sources strongly denied allegations that CBSE had issued instructions forcing students, teachers, or principals to create promotional videos supporting the OSM system.

According to ministry sources, no official written order or directive has been circulated asking stakeholders to publicly defend the digital evaluation process.

The Centre also dismissed claims that any coercive steps were being taken by the Board to secure favourable testimonials from schools or students.

Sources maintained that several students, educators, and school administrators had voluntarily shared positive experiences regarding OSM and that such videos should not automatically be interpreted as forced endorsements.

The ministry further said that OSM is part of a larger technology-driven reform initiative aimed at modernising the evaluation process and improving transparency in board examinations.

Officials stated that CBSE has been actively running awareness campaigns through its official social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and Facebook, to address misinformation and explain the functioning of the digital marking system.

The Board has also reportedly advised students, parents, teachers, and media organisations not to rely on unverified claims circulating online and instead follow official circulars and notices uploaded on the CBSE website.

Despite the clarification, the controversy has continued to fuel sharp reactions on social media.

Several students have questioned whether educational institutions should be encouraging public endorsements at a time when concerns over evaluation transparency remain unresolved.