CBSE Sticks to Digital Marking Despite Student Low Score Complaints

Many Class 12 students are reporting scores nearly 30% lower than expected after CBSE moved to digital marking.
By Newsroom | Education, India |

HYDERABAD – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a staunch defense of its newly implemented 'On-Screen Marking' (OSM) system, despite a wave of student anxieties and demands for fee-free re-evaluation. The board insists the digital process, rolled out for Class 12 assessments, enhances fairness, consistency, and transparency.

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Students are voicing significant distress over unexpectedly low marks in recent Class 12 results, with many attributing the decline to the OSM system. A portion of these students, some claiming to have performed well, report scores nearly 30 percent lower than anticipated. This has fueled claims of technical glitches, including blurry scans and server issues during the digital evaluation.

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The board, however, has acknowledged the public discourse appearing on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). It has also reiterated that transparent post-result procedures remain available for those dissatisfied with their scores. These options include mark verification, obtaining copies of evaluated answer scripts, and ultimately, re-evaluation.

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Demands for Re-Evaluation Intensify

Reports indicate that a number of students and educators are pushing for a reduced-cost or entirely free re-evaluation process, citing the aforementioned technical issues as a potential cause for the scoring discrepancies. Some students have pointed to a stark contrast: passing competitive exams like JEE Mains while simultaneously failing or scoring significantly lower in CBSE board examinations.

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CBSE's Position on OSM

The CBSE maintains that the OSM system was introduced with the explicit aim of strengthening objectivity and ensuring uniform marking standards across different regions and subjects. The board emphasizes its commitment to an equitable and transparent assessment framework.

The board has also urged students and parents to rely solely on official channels for any clarifications regarding their concerns. The established deadlines for re-evaluation applications and the associated fees remain in place. Students failing in a single subject may also be eligible for compartment examinations, provided other criteria are met.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are students unhappy with the CBSE Class 12 results?
Students are reporting much lower scores than they expected, with some scores being nearly 30 percent lower. They think the new digital marking system might be causing this.
Q: What is CBSE's response to the student complaints about low scores?
CBSE is defending its new digital marking system, saying it makes grading fairer and more consistent. They say the system is transparent and have reminded students about existing ways to check their marks.
Q: What are students asking for regarding their low scores?
Some students and teachers want CBSE to allow re-evaluations of exam papers for free or at a lower cost. They believe technical problems with the digital system might have led to the lower marks.
Q: What are the options for students who are unhappy with their CBSE Class 12 marks?
Students can apply for mark verification, get a copy of their answer sheets, or request a full re-evaluation. However, there are deadlines and fees for these services, and students must use official CBSE channels for information.