The controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has intensified after multiple videos of school principals defending the digital evaluation process surfaced on social media using nearly identical language.
The videos, which went viral on Friday, showed principals from different schools praising the OSM system as “transparent”, “accurate”, “technology-driven” and “faster”. Social media users quickly noticed the striking similarity in their statements, sparking fresh debate over the CBSE’s handling of the issue.
The development comes days after reports emerged that CBSE regional offices had circulated a communication package titled “Material for Principals” to schools across the country. The document reportedly included talking points and suggested scripts encouraging principals to publicly defend the digital marking system amid growing criticism from students and parents.
What Is the CBSE OSM System?
The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is CBSE’s digital evaluation method for Class 12 board examinations. Under the system, answer sheets are scanned and assessed digitally instead of being checked physically.
CBSE introduced the system as part of its push towards technology-driven evaluation aimed at improving transparency, reducing calculation errors and speeding up the declaration of results.
However, several students recently alleged discrepancies in their evaluated answer sheets. Some claimed that the scanned copies uploaded online did not match their handwriting, leading to concerns about possible answer-sheet mismatches and technical glitches.
Principals’ Videos Trigger Online Reactions
Videos shared by schools from different states featured principals defending the OSM system using similar phrases and messaging.
In one video, a principal described the system as “fair, transparent, accurate and faster,” while another called it a “massive step towards modernising the examination process.” Several videos also highlighted benefits such as reduced human error, eco-friendly evaluation and uniform marking standards.
The repetition of similar lines across videos led many social media users to question whether schools were following a centrally circulated script.
Students Claim Pressure to Support OSM Online
The controversy widened after some students alleged that they were encouraged by school authorities to publicly support the OSM system on social media platforms.
Posts shared online claimed students were asked to upload Instagram stories or posts mentioning that they had “no problem” with the OSM evaluation process.
The issue also triggered discussions on online platforms, with some users criticising the involvement of students in public campaigns related to the ongoing controversy.
CBSE Responds to Concerns
CBSE has defended the OSM system and maintained that the board remains committed to transparency and student welfare. The board has also rejected allegations related to flaws in the digital evaluation contract process.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to address student concerns quickly and ensure a transparent and student-friendly resolution process.
The board recently launched a 24×7 post-result support system to help students dealing with result-related issues and re-evaluation concerns.
CBSE has advised students and parents to use the official re-evaluation mechanism if they notice discrepancies in their answer sheets or marks.
As criticism and debate continue online, the OSM controversy has become one of the biggest education-related discussions in India this year, raising broader questions about transparency, technology adoption and trust in digital evaluation systems.
