CBSE Mandates Teacher Practice for On-Screen Evaluation of Class 12 Answer Sheets
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has confirmed that over one crore Class 12 answer sheets will be assessed digitally this year through its on-screen marking (OSM) system. In preparation, the board has directed all affiliated schools to ensure their teachers complete mandatory practice sessions on the designated portal before the actual evaluation begins.
This shift marks a significant departure from the conventional pen-and-paper assessment method. Instead of physically handling and checking answer booklets, examiners will now evaluate scanned copies on computer screens. To facilitate a smooth transition, CBSE has issued detailed guidelines to school principals, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation among teaching staff to avoid any technical or procedural hurdles during the real evaluation phase.
Practice Modules Activated on OSM Portal
CBSE has activated a dedicated practice link on the On-Screen Marking (OSM) portal. Principals have been instructed to verify that all teachers log in using their OASIS (Online Affiliated Schools Information System) credentials and complete the available training modules. This preparatory exercise is compulsory and aims to familiarize educators with the digital interface, navigation tools, and marking protocols they will use when assessing actual answer sheets.
The board has emphasized that this hands-on practice is essential for building confidence and ensuring accuracy when the large-scale evaluation commences. Teachers who skip this step may face difficulties in managing the digital workflow efficiently.
Login Credentials Shared via Email
To enable access, CBSE has distributed the OSM portal URL, along with individual login IDs and passwords for evaluators, to the registered email addresses of all affiliated schools on the OASIS platform. It is now the responsibility of school heads to ensure that every teacher teaching Classes 11 and 12 logs in well before the scheduled deadline and finishes the practice assignments.
The board will actively monitor the entire process, tracking whether schools and teachers are completing their assigned tasks on time. This oversight is intended to guarantee that no institution is left unprepared when the digital evaluation window opens.
Massive Scale of Digital Assessment
According to information shared by the board, this year’s Class 12 examinations will produce more than one crore answer sheets, comprising roughly 32 crore pages in total. All of these pages are slated for on-screen evaluation. The examination controller noted that this digital method will substantially cut down both the time and expenditure currently associated with transporting physical answer booklets to evaluation centers.
Another major advantage is flexibility. Teachers will be able to carry out the evaluation work from their own school computer labs, eliminating the need for travel to centralized locations. This decentralized approach is expected to make the entire process more transparent, streamlined, and efficient for all parties involved.
Examination Schedule and Evaluation Details
For the current academic cycle, CBSE Class 10 board examinations are scheduled to run from February 17 to March 11. In parallel, Class 12 examinations will be held from February 17 through April 10, 2026. Once the Class 12 exams conclude, the digital evaluation of answer sheets will begin as planned.
It is important to note that while Class 12 assessments will fully adopt the on-screen marking system this year, the evaluation of Class 10 answer sheets will continue to follow the traditional method. This phased approach allows the board to manage the transition effectively while maintaining consistency across different grade levels.
Schools are urged to treat the practice requirement as a priority and ensure full participation from all eligible teachers. Timely completion of the training modules will help avoid last-minute complications and contribute to a hassle-free evaluation season.
