‘More exhausting than manual’: How CBSE on-screen marking system is draining teachers it was meant to help

CBSE Onmark: From inadequate training to rising screen fatigue and repeated corrections, educators say CBSE’s digital evaluation model is adding pressure rather than easing workload. As the Central Board of Secondary Education expands its On-Screen Marking (OSM) system across the country for Class 12 board examinations from 2026, teachers from various states say the shift from manual to digital evaluation is proving more stressful than seamless.

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The on-screen evaluation system was introduced for CBSE Class 12 board exams from 2026 as a reform aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and speed. But according to many examiners, it is instead increasing workload and anxiety during the high-stakes correction season.

Under CBSE OSM, answer booklets are scanned and uploaded onto a digital platform – the cbse.onmark.co.in or CBSE Onmark – where teachers evaluate responses on a computer interface. While the board has promoted the system as a modernisation measure, teachers involved in correction work say the transition has been rushed and the training insufficient.

“The training was just for one week and they expect us to know how to use these computers at a rapid rate,” said a teacher from Pune. “Adapting to this is beyond irritating. Sometimes I feel like not giving marks at all. It is simply difficult.”

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The CBSE board exams 2026 for Class 12 began on February 17, 2026. The Class 12 physics and accountancy exams are over.

CBSE OSM 2026: Screen exposure, colour codes

Teachers collectively say that beyond understanding the concept, the challenge lies in mastering the interface under deadline pressure. The software requires strict use of colour codes to indicate different types of errors and to highlight specific words or phrases. Examiners say even a minor mistake while marking can undo their work.

“There are colour codes to correct and highlight each word that is a mistake. But if there is one misstep, it resets the entire answer. I am correcting the same booklet ten times,” said a teacher from Bengaluru, describing the process as repetitive and mentally draining.

A teacher in her 40s from Lucknow pointed to the physical strain of prolonged screen exposure. “This has increased screen time at this age and it is not good. I take many breaks, but the correction barely moves forward. It was supposed to make our job easier. Instead, it feels more exhausting,” she said.

Interestingly, the frustration is not limited to senior educators. Younger teachers in Delhi and Bengaluru, who are otherwise comfortable with digital tools, say the evaluation software feels rigid and time-consuming.

“I am handy with WhatsApp, scrolling YouTube Shorts, and reading research papers for teaching,” said a teacher with over nine years of experience. “But not with these panic buttons that are introduced. It feels like this was pushed onto us without really explaining much. Even if we understand the system, it takes more time than manual correction.”

Also read CBSE 2026: Board tightens rules on cheating, makes it harder to pass; Class 10 gets new marksheets

CBSE On-Screen Marking: Manual better than mistakes

One senior examiner shared a moment that reflects both the confusion and the seriousness of the situation. “I ask my kids to help me this time, but even they end up laughing and saying, ‘Extra marks de do, ya kaat lo, kuch bhi kar lo, chhodo mujhe.’ They treat it lightly,” she said. “But this is a bigger issue. I cannot do injustice to my students. I would rather correct manually than risk mistakes because of software problems.”

Teachers say that while children may view the system casually, the responsibility of fair evaluation rests entirely on them. Any technical error, delay or accidental misclick can directly affect a student’s score.

Several educators are now calling for extended hands-on training, improved technical support, and a phased implementation rather than a blanket digital shift. Some suggest a hybrid model that allows manual correction alongside on-screen marking until the system becomes more user-friendly.

As CBSE continues to digitise its examination processes nationwide, teachers say reforms must prioritise practicality and teacher preparedness. Calls to CBSE officials went unanswered; if and when they respond, this story will be updated with their comments.