CBSE cuts re-evaluation fee to Rs 100; defends OSM

Amid growing concerns among students over On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar clarified that the digital evaluation process is not entirely new. Rather it was first introduced by CBSE in 2014. Addressing concerns, Kumar said many students were anxious that the pass percentage had dropped and marks were lower because of the OSM system. CBSE issued clarification to reduce confusion and anxiety among students.

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OSM introduced in 2014

Explaining the background of the system, Kumar said CBSE had first introduced On-Screen Marking in 2014. However, at that time, the board felt that the system could not be continued on a larger scale due to technological and operational limitations. “In 2014, CBSE started OSM. During that time, CBSE felt they could not continue. But now we have started again,” he said.

The official added that many national and international institutions already use digital evaluation systems successfully. He said organizations such as Mumbai University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) have adopted similar methods for answer sheet evaluation. He also pointed out that international boards like Cambridge and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools use on-screen assessment systems globally.

According to Kumar, the reintroduction of OSM became possible because of advancements in technology and digital infrastructure. “This time answer sheets were scanned and converted into PDFs. Around 90 lakh answer sheets were scanned and there were three levels of security in the process,” he said.

CBSE reduces re-evaluation fee

CBSE also announced major changes in the re-evaluation process following complaints from students regarding high fees. Kumar said students will now be charged only Rs 100 for obtaining answer copies and review-related processes, significantly lower than the earlier charges.

Previously, students had to pay Rs 700 to access scanned answer sheets, Rs 500 for review of issues and Rs 100 per question challenged.

Under the revised structure: Rs 100 will be charged for answer copy access and review, Rs 25 will be charged per question challenged “If the marks change after re-evaluation, we will return the money,” Kumar said. Officials said this provision had existed till 2019 before being discontinued, and has now been brought back.

CBSE officials said the OSM system follows step-wise evaluation, where examiners are required to award marks for every step of an answer instead of only checking the final response.

Rahul Singh said CBSE conducted a dry run of OSM in five schools in January. Training and demonstrations for government and private school teachers were held on February 9, following which changes were made based on feedback. The evaluation portal was opened for teachers on February 15 for practice assessments. Singh admitted there were some initial glitches, but said the issues were resolved and the system functioned smoothly by March 18.

OSM requires software, scanning infrastructure and digital infrastructure. In 2014 the scanning infrastructure wasn't good, answer books were mixed and post processing faced issues.