Here’s what the board says
May 17, 2026
Photo: Indian Express
Following the release of the CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 on May 13, CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has come under scrutiny.
Photo: Indian Express
The digital evaluation system was introduced to improve efficiency and transparency and to reduce manual errors in the evaluation process. However, some students and teachers have blamed OSM for the drop in marks this year.
Photo: Indian Express
CBSE said the Class 12 pass percentage fell to 85.20% in 2026 from 88.39% in the previous year, a decline of 3.19 percentage points.
Photo: Indian Express
CBSE has earlier announced that OSM would be used for the evaluation of Class XII answer books from 2026. The board says the system is designed to reduce manual errors and improve the evaluation process.
Photo: Indian Express
Many students and teachers have taken to social media to criticise the digital evaluation system. Some have raised concerns about scanning quality, while others say strict stepwise marking may have affected scores for students who used alternative methods.
Photo: Indian Express
The result has also worried students preparing for competitive exams such as JEE Advanced, where Class 12 performance remains relevant to admission eligibility.
Photo: Indian Express
CBSE has advised dissatisfied students to apply for copies of their evaluated answer books and seek verification or re-evaluation if they find discrepancies.
Photo: Indian Express
Students have also questioned the re-evaluation fee, which CBSE usually charges for review of answer books. Some students argue that if checking errors occurred, the board should offer free re-evaluation for affected subjects.
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