Education Minister Takes Responsibility for CBSE OSM Glitches, Announces Revaluation Drive
In a decisive move to address the concerns surrounding the CBSE Class 12 evaluation process, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a high-level review meeting with board officials at the CBSE headquarters. The discussions centered on the technical and payment-related difficulties students have faced while applying for revaluation and verification of their answer sheets. The minister assured students that no grievance would be left unattended and that corrective measures are already underway.
Minister Acknowledges Flaws in First-Ever Digital Evaluation System
This year marked a significant shift for the Central Board of Secondary Education as it introduced the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the first time. The digital evaluation method was designed to enhance transparency and make the entire process more student-centric. However, its rollout has not been without challenges. Pradhan openly acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, “This is the first time CBSE has implemented the OSM process in the country. Some discrepancies have come to light, and I take responsibility for them. They will be rectified, and appropriate solutions will be implemented.”
The minister’s candid admission reflects the government’s commitment to accountability. He emphasized that corrective actions will be taken at every level, with clear responsibility assigned to ensure smooth functioning. He reiterated that every student complaint or query would be thoroughly addressed, leaving no room for unresolved issues.
Massive Scale of Evaluation and Student Access
Providing context to the scale of the exercise, Pradhan noted that approximately 1.7 million students appeared for the Class 12 examinations this year. The board evaluated a staggering 9.8 million answer booklets, which included around 400 million scanned pages. The sheer volume underscores the complexity of transitioning to a fully digital evaluation system in a single academic cycle.
Despite the initial hurdles, the minister highlighted that nearly 400,000 students have already accessed their scanned answer sheets, covering about 1.1 million booklets. This access allows students to verify their marks and raise objections if they spot any discrepancies. The move is part of the board’s broader effort to empower students and instill confidence in the evaluation process.
Expert Institutions and Banking Partners Roped In
To strengthen the technical backbone of the OSM system, the ministry has brought on board premier institutions such as IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras. These institutes will assist in monitoring and refining the digital infrastructure to prevent further glitches. Their involvement is expected to bring academic rigor and technical expertise to the troubleshooting process.
On the payment front, the minister informed that multiple public sector banks — including the State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank — have been integrated into the payment gateway. This step aims to streamline the fee payment process for students applying for revaluation or verification, removing one of the major bottlenecks reported earlier.
Response to Political Criticism
When asked about allegations raised by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding irregularities in the evaluation process, Pradhan responded firmly. He stated that CBSE has already provided its response on the matter and that the entire procurement and implementation process followed the government’s purchase policy. He assured that if any irregularity is found at any stage, strict action will be taken against those responsible.
“I want to reassure everyone that if any wrongdoing comes to light, there will be no leniency,” the minister said, reinforcing the government’s stance on transparency and strict accountability.
Revaluation Process Now Open
With the revaluation process officially underway, students who are dissatisfied with their marks can now apply for a recheck. The board has urged students to use the digital platform to submit their applications and make payments through the integrated banking channels. The combination of expert technical oversight and streamlined payment options is expected to resolve most of the issues that plagued the early phase of the process.
The education ministry’s proactive approach — from accepting responsibility to involving top technical institutions — signals a clear intent to restore trust in the examination system. While the transition to digital evaluation has been rocky, the measures announced aim to ensure that the system becomes more robust and student-friendly in the days ahead.
