The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India is set to implement a significant change in its examination evaluation process by adopting an On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the Class 12 board examinations starting in 2026. This change implies that the evaluation of exam scripts will be conducted digitally on computer screens rather than through manual assessment. This transition aims to reduce errors, accelerate the grading process, and allow teachers to check scripts remotely from their schools, contributing to greater efficiency and convenience in managing large volumes of student assessments.

Currently, CBSE conducts board examinations for classes 10 and 12 for around 4.6 million students across 26 countries annually. The on-screen marking system is expected to streamline the evaluation process, making it more transparent and less cumbersome. It will be particularly advantageous given the scale of the task, as manually grading scripts for millions of students poses significant logistical challenges. The decision to maintain the traditional physical checking method for Class 10 scripts at this point indicates a phased and cautious implementation of this new technology, allowing for adjustments as necessary.

Additionally, the notification released by the CBSE has confirmed that this year's board examinations will commence on February 17, with Class 10 examinations wrapping up by March 11. This marks an important period for students and educators alike, as the education system adapts to modernized assessment methods while continuing to uphold rigorous academic standards.