Government Cyber Agencies Step Up Surveillance on CBSE OSM Portal Attacks
The central government has intensified its response to recent cyber intrusion attempts targeting the CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) re-evaluation portal. According to sources within the Ministry of Education, multiple cybersecurity agencies—including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)—are actively tracking the situation. Officials have made it clear that those found responsible for orchestrating these attacks will face stringent legal consequences.
Unprecedented Traffic Spike Raises Red Flags
The alarm was first raised when CBSE reported suspicious activity on the re-evaluation portal amid an overwhelming surge in user traffic. Board officials noted that within a span of just two minutes, the platform recorded approximately 1.5 million hits. Further scrutiny revealed more than 100,000 attempts to access files without proper authorization, prompting immediate concern among cybersecurity experts.
At the time of the incident, the portal was simultaneously supporting over 8,000 active users, with thousands of students successfully submitting their applications without interruption. In response to user feedback, CBSE also implemented several technical improvements, including extended session time limits to accommodate the heavy demand.
Ongoing Investigation and Technical Monitoring
Central cybersecurity agencies are now conducting a thorough technical investigation into the entire sequence of events. Their objectives are twofold: to safeguard the portal against future threats and to ensure that the application process for students remains smooth and unaffected. Ministry sources emphasize that a comprehensive review is underway and that decisive legal action will be taken once the perpetrators are identified.
The coordinated response reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of digital examination infrastructure, particularly during high-stakes academic periods when thousands of students rely on these platforms for critical services.
Leadership Changes at CBSE Amid OSM Controversy
In a separate but related development, the central government has taken significant administrative action by removing the Chairman and Secretary of CBSE. This move comes in the wake of the OSM controversy and signals a firm stance on accountability within the board’s management.
Additionally, a special inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the procurement process for CBSE’s On-Screen Marking services. The committee will examine the tender procedures and various associated aspects of the OSM service acquisition to determine whether proper protocols were followed.
Committee Mandate and Reporting Timeline
According to the official order, the investigation committee will be chaired by S. Radha Chauhan, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission. The committee has been directed to submit its findings to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) within one month.
The scope of the inquiry includes a detailed review of the procurement lifecycle, from initial tendering through to contract award and implementation. This comprehensive approach is designed to identify any procedural lapses or irregularities that may have contributed to the current situation.
As the investigation progresses, both students and educational stakeholders are watching closely to see how these developments unfold. The government’s dual approach—combining cybersecurity enforcement with administrative oversight—demonstrates a multi-pronged strategy to address both the technical and governance challenges facing the education sector.
For students who have already submitted their applications, officials assure that the ongoing investigations will not disrupt the re-evaluation process. The portal remains operational, and technical teams are working around the clock to maintain stability and security while the broader inquiries continue.
