The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will introduce On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books beginning with the 2026 board examinations, the board said in an official communication to schools.

The move is part of CBSE’s efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency and speed in the evaluation process. CBSE clarified that the evaluation of Class 10 answer books will continue to be conducted in physical mode in 2026.

“In its continuous effort to enhance efficiency and transparency, the Board has decided to introduce On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books beginning with the 2026 examinations. The evaluation of Class 10 answer books will continue in physical mode as before in 2026,” the notice stated.

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What is On-screen marking?

On-Screen Marking (OSM) means that exam answer sheets are evaluated digitally on a computer, instead of being marked by hand on paper.

Why it’s used

It helps to:

  • Reduce errors (like wrong totals)
  • Speed up evaluation
  • Increase transparency
  • Allow teachers to mark from their schools
  • Cut transportation time and costs

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CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations annually in India and across 26 countries, catering to nearly 46 lakh students.

The board said the shift to digital evaluation for Class 12 is expected to streamline assessment and reduce manual errors. OSM will eliminate totalling errors, automate coordination processes and significantly reduce manual intervention.

CBSE said the new system will also allow faster evaluation and wider participation of teachers, who will be able to carry out marking from their own schools without disrupting regular teaching work. It is expected to save transportation time and costs and contribute to environmentally sustainable practices.

With OSM, post-result verification of marks will no longer be required, the board added, reducing manpower requirements. The system will also enable teachers from all CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad to participate in the evaluation process.

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To prepare for the new system, CBSE has directed schools to arrange the necessary infrastructure. Requirements include a computer lab with a public static IP, computers or laptops running Windows 8 or above with at least 4 GB RAM, updated internet browsers, Adobe Reader, reliable internet connectivity of at least 2 Mbps, and an uninterrupted power supply.

CBSE said it will support schools and teachers during the transition by allowing all teachers with OASIS IDs to log in and familiarise themselves with the system. The board will also conduct multiple dry runs, organise training programmes, release instructional videos, and set up a call centre to address technical issues.

Detailed instructions for each stage of implementation will be issued separately, CBSE added.