CBSE Class 12 Results Spark Backlash Over Digital “On-Screen Marking” Accuracy

The reintroduction of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for CBSE Class 12 evaluations has triggered widespread backlash from parents and students following unexpectedly low results. While critics argue the digital system lacks the human moderation of traditional methods, the CBSE maintains that the process ensures transparency and uniformity across all regions.

RMN Kids Exams Desk
New Delhi | May 17, 2026

The declaration of the CBSE Class 12 results on May 13, 2026, has been met with significant criticism as families navigate a sudden drop in academic performance. The overall pass percentage for the year fell to 85.20%, a decrease of 3.19% from the previous year, leaving more than 1.63 lakh candidates in the compartment category.

At the center of the dispute is the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, a digital evaluation method re-introduced this year. Under this mechanism, physical answer scripts are scanned and uploaded to a secure digital server, where teachers evaluate the documents on computer screens rather than marking paper scripts manually.

Experts and stakeholders believe this digital transition is the primary reason for the lower scores. Critics argue that evaluating scripts on a screen eliminates the traditional “informal moderation” typically applied by human examiners. Furthermore, automated grading software reportedly prevents manual rounding errors that have historically favored students.

Parents and students have expressed their frustration on social media, pointing out a stark disparity between internal assessments and final board results. Many students who topped their pre-board exams or qualified for high-stakes competitive exams like the JEE reportedly failed or received unexpectedly poor marks in core subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Message to Students

It appears from social media posts that many students of class XII Board are anxious about their results/marks and are attributing it to change of assessment scheme i.e. On-Screen Marking (OSM) mechanism re-introduced this year. The Board is extremely…

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) May 16, 2026

The CBSE has moved to defend the system, issuing statements via social media to address student anxiety. The Board clarified that the OSM system is designed to ensure stepwise marking and promote objectivity across different subjects and regions. According to the Board, the digital process adheres strictly to marking schemes prepared by experienced teachers, which include alternative answering methods to ensure fair grading.

For students dissatisfied with their scores, the Board has opened transparent avenues for recourse, including the verification of marks and full re-evaluation. The re-checking process is scheduled to close on May 19, and students must apply through the official portal. The Board warned that during this process, marks may increase or decrease, and the revised marks will be considered final.