The Central Government has taken significant administrative action against the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) following growing controversy over the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system used in Class 12 board examinations. CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta have been transferred as scrutiny over the examination evaluation process intensifies.
The decision comes amid allegations of technical flaws, procedural irregularities, and security concerns linked to the OSM platform. The government has also constituted a one-member inquiry committee to examine the procurement, implementation, and functioning of the digital marking system.
The issue gained national attention after concerns were raised regarding possible shortcomings in the evaluation process. A student, Sarthak Sidhant, reportedly appeared before a Parliamentary Standing Committee and highlighted alleged flaws in the OSM system, bringing the matter into the public spotlight.
Officials are expected to review whether the digital evaluation mechanism affected transparency, fairness, or accuracy in board examination assessments. The committee will also investigate whether procurement procedures followed proper guidelines and whether adequate safeguards were in place to protect examination data.
The controversy has sparked debate among students, parents, and education experts regarding the growing use of technology in large-scale examinations. While digital evaluation systems are designed to improve efficiency and reduce human error, concerns over security and reliability have prompted demands for stronger oversight.
CBSE is one of India’s largest educational boards, conducting examinations for millions of students annually. The outcome of the inquiry could influence future reforms in digital assessment systems and examination governance across the country.
