CBSE Likely to Introduce On-Screen Marking for Class 12 Board Exam Answer Sheets
New Delhi, 30th January 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to evaluate Class 12 board examination answer sheets through on-screen marking (OSM) from this year, replacing the traditional physical checking process. Under the new system, teachers will assess scanned answer scripts digitally using a strict marking scheme issued by the Board.
CBSE is currently in the process of selecting an agency to implement the on-screen marking system. The rollout will take place in a phased manner to ensure fairness and smooth execution.
Under OSM, examiners will evaluate responses on computer screens based on CBSE’s official marking scheme. Marks will be awarded for correct steps and key concepts, ensuring students receive the benefit of step-wise marking. The Board believes this move will save time, reduce human error, improve evaluation accuracy, and increase transparency in the assessment process.
If the system proves successful for Class 12 this year, CBSE plans to extend on-screen marking to Class 10 board examinations from next year.
Faster Moderation and Quicker Results
As part of the digital evaluation system, answer sheets will be scanned and uploaded to a secure platform for examiners to access. Teachers will assign marks directly on-screen. CBSE says the decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages conceptual understanding over rote learning.
The new method is expected to bring greater uniformity in marking, reducing variations where different examiners award different marks for the same answers. The cross-checking and moderation process will also become faster, allowing results to be declared earlier than usual. Since marking will be done on scanned copies, the entire process will be more transparent and traceable.
Skill Education Now Mandatory for Classes 6 to 8
In another major move, CBSE has made skill education compulsory for students from Classes 6 to 8 in all affiliated schools. Earlier offered as an optional subject, skill education is now part of the regular curriculum.
To ensure effective implementation, teachers handling these classes will receive offline training. CBSE says the initiative aims to develop creativity, problem-solving ability, practical understanding and self-reliance among students, better preparing them for future employment and real-world challenges.
