The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has attributed disruptions in its Class 12 re-evaluation portal to a “barrage of cyberattacks,” adding a new dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the board’s examination evaluation system.
The development comes at a time when CBSE’s on-screen marking (OSM) process is already under intense scrutiny from students, parents, lawmakers and education experts.
Portal Disruptions Trigger Concerns
Thousands of students seeking verification, re-evaluation and access to answer sheets reportedly faced difficulties while accessing the online portal after the declaration of Class 12 board examination results.
According to CBSE, the system came under repeated cyberattacks that affected portal performance and caused intermittent service disruptions. The board said technical teams were working continuously to protect the platform and restore normal operations.
The claim has sparked fresh discussions about the security and reliability of digital education infrastructure, particularly during critical examination-related processes.
Cybersecurity Challenge Amid High Traffic
Education experts note that result and re-evaluation portals often witness massive traffic immediately after results are announced. However, CBSE’s assertion that the platform faced coordinated cyberattacks has raised questions about the robustness of cybersecurity safeguards protecting student data and examination systems.
The board has not publicly disclosed the source or nature of the alleged attacks but maintained that protective measures were activated to ensure the integrity of the system.
Controversy Deepens Around Evaluation System
The cyberattack claim comes against the backdrop of an escalating debate over CBSE’s on-screen marking mechanism and the tender awarded to Hyderabad-based Coempt EduTeck.
The issue gained national attention after student researcher Sarthak Sidhant highlighted alleged discrepancies in tender documents linked to the evaluation system. The matter has since reached the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, which recently reviewed concerns regarding the OSM process.
Critics argue that transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining confidence in India’s largest school examination system.
Parliamentary Panel Monitoring Developments
A parliamentary panel examining issues related to CBSE’s evaluation framework is expected to seek detailed explanations from the board regarding both the on-screen marking system and operational challenges linked to examination services.
The committee is also reviewing concerns raised by students about evaluation procedures and digital assessment mechanisms.
Students Seek Clarity
With lakhs of students depending on the re-evaluation process for academic admissions and future opportunities, stakeholders are demanding timely communication and uninterrupted access to examination-related services.
As scrutiny intensifies, CBSE faces the dual challenge of addressing concerns over evaluation transparency while ensuring the security and reliability of its digital platforms.
The board is expected to provide further updates on the alleged cyberattacks and measures being taken to strengthen system resilience in the coming days.
