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Following the announcement of the CBSE Class 12 results, several students alleged that they received lower marks than expected this time due to the implementation of a new digital system—'On-Screen Marking (OSM)'—during the evaluation of answer sheets. Students claimed that they had performed well in their exams and anticipated scoring between 90% and 95%, yet their actual results fell significantly short of these expectations. Many students also took to social media to express their dissatisfaction by sharing copies of their mark sheets. Now, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education and Literacy, has addressed a press conference to allay the concerns raised regarding the accuracy of the OSM system.

During the press conference, he stated, "As you are aware, CBSE recently declared the Class 12 results. This time, the evaluation was conducted using the OSM system, following which certain concerns have emerged. Some students feel that the pass percentage has declined; specifically, they note a drop of approximately 3% compared to last year, falling from 88% to 85%. Additionally, some students believe they deserved higher marks but received lower scores instead. Therefore, we would like to offer some clarifications regarding these concerns and misconceptions."

**OSM System Not Implemented for the First Time**
The Education Secretary emphasized, "I would like to underscore that On-Screen Marking is neither a novel concept nor is this the first time it has been implemented. CBSE first introduced the OSM system back in 2014. However, at that time, due to limitations in technical infrastructure, it was deemed unfeasible to continue the process immediately. We have successfully reintroduced it this year."

**Offline Marking of 13,000 Answer Sheets**
Addressing the issues surrounding CBSE's On-Screen Marking process, Sanjay Kumar noted, "Errors were detected during the evaluation process, resulting in the offline marking of approximately 13,000 answer sheets. During the Class 12 examinations held this year, the answer sheets were scanned to generate PDF copies for evaluation." "The 9.8 million answer sheets submitted by examinees were scanned, and a three-tier security protocol was established during the scanning process. One significant benefit of this initiative is the complete elimination of errors that occasionally occurred during the calculation of total marks (totalling). This decision was implemented, and teachers were duly trained to execute it."

He added, "It was also observed that we had approximately 13,000 answer sheets which, despite being scanned multiple times, retained a certain degree of illegibility because the ink used was very light in color. Consequently, we were unable to read them clearly following the scanning process. Teachers were instructed to segregate these 13,000 answer sheets and evaluate them manually; the marks awarded after this manual assessment were then duly recorded. I would like to emphasize that special attention has been paid to security protocols and related issues to ensure that the marks calculated through the 'on-screen marking' system are entirely accurate."

**Fee of ₹25 for Re-checking**

Sanjay Kumar states, "We will charge a fee of ₹100 from any student who wishes to view their answer sheets. If a student wishes to have their papers verified, a separate fee of ₹100 will apply; furthermore, a fee of ₹25 will be charged for the re-evaluation (re-checking) of the answer to a specific question. We have decided that if, during the verification process, a student's marks increase or undergo an upward revision, we will refund the entire amount paid by them for the re-evaluation." He further states, “Be it the Ministry of Education or the CBSE, the welfare and concerns of all our children are paramount to us. Therefore, we wish to ensure that no child, for any reason whatsoever, feels that they have received marks lower than what they deserve based on their actual performance as reflected in their aptitude or the answers written during the examination. A provision for re-evaluation has always existed within the CBSE framework. We will ensure that the marks awarded—including the total aggregate—are absolutely accurate.”

**Fees Have Been Reduced**
The Education Secretary remarked, “The fee for the process that previously cost ₹700—under which we provided you with a copy of your answer sheet—has now been reduced to just ₹100. Furthermore, the validation fee, which was previously ₹500, has also been lowered to ₹100. For instance, if you wish to have the answer to a specific question rechecked, you will be required to pay ₹225. However, if for any reason the re-evaluation process reveals that your marks have increased, we will refund the entire amount you paid. We are far more concerned about the well-being, welfare, and mental state of our children. Money is important, but in this context, it is not our priority.”

He also adds, “We will simply provide you with a copy of your answer sheet. A mere glance at the answer sheet will make it evident how the marking was carried out. Once you have reviewed it, you will be able to determine for yourself whether there was any instance where you should have been awarded higher marks. Since the answer sheets have already been scanned, I do not believe there is any need for a physical re-examination, nor does any alternative method exist.”

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