CBSE Introduces On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 Board Exams 2026: Complete Details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform in the evaluation process for the 2026 board examinations. Beginning with the Class 12 Board Exams 2026, answer scripts will be evaluated through On-Screen Marking (OSM) instead of the traditional physical checking system.

This transition marks a significant step toward digital evaluation, improved transparency, and faster result processing. The move applies only to Class 12 examinations in 2026, while Class 10 answer books will continue to be evaluated in physical mode for the time being.

This article provides a complete and clear explanation of what OSM is, why it has been introduced, how it will function, what schools must prepare, and how it affects students and teachers.

What Is On-Screen Marking (OSM)?

On-Screen Marking (OSM) is a digital evaluation system in which answer sheets are scanned and uploaded to a secure online platform. Examiners assess scanned responses directly on a computer instead of handling physical answer books.

In this system:

• Answer books are digitised.
• Evaluators log into a secure portal.
• Marks are entered electronically.
• Totals are calculated automatically.
• Data is stored centrally in real time.

The transition aims to modernise evaluation while maintaining examination integrity.

Official Implementation Timeline

Component	Status for 2026
Class 12 Answer Evaluation	On-Screen Marking (OSM)
Class 10 Answer Evaluation	Physical mode (unchanged)
Training & Dry Runs	To be conducted by CBSE
Teacher Access	Through OASIS IDs

The circular introducing OSM is dated 09 February 2026, confirming that implementation begins with the upcoming Class 12 board examinations.

Why CBSE Introduced OSM

CBSE conducts examinations for nearly 46 lakh students annually across India and 26 countries. Managing physical evaluation at this scale involves logistical challenges, manual coordination, and verification processes.

The introduction of OSM is expected to address these issues.

Key Benefits Identified by CBSE

Benefit	Explanation
Elimination of totalling errors	Automatic calculation reduces human arithmetic mistakes
Reduced manual intervention	Digital coordination minimizes paperwork
Faster evaluation	Enables quicker completion of marking
Cost savings	No transportation of physical answer books
Teacher convenience	Teachers can evaluate from their own schools
No post-result verification	Mark's verification process expected to be redundant
Reduced manpower	Fewer verification staff required
Wider participation	All affiliated schools globally can contribute
Environmental sustainability	Less paper handling and transport

The most notable change is that post-result verification of marks will no longer be required, as automated systems reduce calculation discrepancies.

How the OSM Process Will Work

Although detailed operational guidelines will be issued separately, the overall workflow is expected to follow this structure:

Step 1: Digitisation

After exams, answer books will be scanned and securely uploaded to CBSE’s digital evaluation system.

Step 2: Examiner Allocation

Examiners will receive digital bundles through the OSM platform.

Step 3: Online Evaluation

Teachers will:

• View scanned answers.
• Award marks using built-in marking tools.
• Submit evaluations digitally.

Step 4: Automated Compilation

The system will:

• Auto-total marks.
• Store evaluation data securely.
• Reduce risk of clerical errors.

Step 5: Result Processing

Since calculations are automated, results can be compiled more efficiently.

Download CBSE Evaluator User Manual Guide

Infrastructure Requirements for Schools

To ensure smooth implementation, CBSE has directed schools to prepare specific technical infrastructure.

Mandatory Technical Setup

Requirement	Specification
Computer Lab	With Public Static IP (as per Affiliation Bye-Laws)
System	PC/Laptop with Windows 8 or above
RAM	Minimum 4 GB
Storage	1 GB free space on C: drive
Browser	Latest Chrome / Edge / Firefox
PDF Support	Adobe Reader
Internet Speed	Minimum 2 Mbps
Power Supply	Uninterrupted electricity

These requirements indicate that evaluation will occur within school premises rather than at centralised physical evaluation centres.

Support Measures Announced by CBSE

To assist schools and teachers in transitioning to the digital model, CBSE will provide structured support.

CBSE Will:

• Allow teachers with OASIS IDs to log in and familiarise themselves with the system.
• Conduct multiple dry runs for practice.
• Organise training programs.
• Establish a dedicated call centre for issue resolution.
• Release instructional videos for guidance.

These measures are intended to ensure a smooth and uniform adoption across all affiliated schools.

Impact on Students

For Class 12 students appearing in 2026:

What Remains the Same

• Exam pattern and question papers.
• Writing answers in physical answer booklets.
• Board examination schedule.

What Changes

• Evaluation will be digital.
• Totalling errors are expected to be eliminated.
• Post-result verification requests may no longer be necessary.

The introduction of OSM does not change how students write exams. It changes only the backend evaluation process.

Impact on Teachers

Teachers will experience a significant operational shift.

Key Changes for Examiners

• No need to travel to centralised marketing centres.
• Evaluation can be completed from their own schools.
• A digital marking interface replaces manual red-pen checking.
• Greater transparency in mark allocation.
• Participation from a broader pool of educators, including international CBSE schools.

The model promotes flexibility while maintaining accountability.

How OSM Improves Transparency and Accuracy

The digital marking model reduces several traditional risks:

• Arithmetic mistakes during totalling.
• Missing marks during manual transfer.
• Physical misplacement of answer sheets.
• Delays caused by transport logistics.

Automated calculation ensures that every awarded mark is counted accurately. Additionally, centralised data storage enhances traceability and audit capability.

Environmental and Administrative Advantages

The shift to digital evaluation also contributes to sustainability:

• Reduced paper handling.
• Lower transportation requirements.
• Less physical storage.
• Streamlined manpower allocation.

Given the scale of CBSE examinations, even small efficiencies translate into significant administrative savings.

Conclusion

The introduction of On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 Board Exams 2026 represents one of the most significant evaluation reforms undertaken by CBSE in recent years. By transitioning to digital assessment, the Board aims to improve accuracy, transparency, efficiency, and sustainability across its vast examination system.

While students will continue writing exams in the traditional format, evaluation will move to a secure digital environment. Schools are required to upgrade infrastructure, and teachers will receive structured training to adapt to the new system.

This reform signals CBSE’s broader commitment to modernisation and process improvement. With proper preparation and coordinated implementation, OSM has the potential to streamline result processing and enhance confidence in the evaluation process for millions of students worldwide.