The Supreme Court is poised to address a significant matter concerning the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. On August 21, the apex court will hear a petition advocating for the establishment of clear regulations governing how board examinations are conducted using this digital evaluation method. This case carries substantial weight, given the growing concerns about the impact of digital marking on students’ scores and, by extension, their opportunities for admission into higher education programs.
The plea, initially heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, highlighted the plight of students who, despite passing their CBSE examinations, encountered difficulties securing university admissions due to their board scores not meeting the necessary cut-offs. The petitioner’s counsel emphasized that some of these students had already successfully cleared entrance examinations, and several higher education courses had already commenced. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the bench specifically instructed the CBSE’s legal representative to explore avenues for protecting the interests of these affected students. The proceedings were subsequently adjourned to August 21, as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who had been requested to assist the court, was unavailable.
The core of the issue lies in the CBSE’s On-Screen Marking system. This innovative approach involves scanning physical answer sheets, which are then presented digitally to evaluators. Instead of marking original paper copies manually, teachers assess and assign marks on a computer screen. While this system was introduced with the goal of enhancing efficiency and standardizing the evaluation process, it has, unfortunately, led to concerns regarding discrepancies in marks and the overall fairness of the digital assessment of students’ answer scripts. The ongoing Supreme Court case aims to comprehensively address these concerns and implement robust safeguards for students whose academic future hinges on this evaluation method.
This is not the first instance where the Supreme Court has acknowledged the issues surrounding the digital marking system. Back on July 15, the court expressed profound concern over the palpable “frustration” experienced by students and had previously sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. At that time, the Solicitor General confirmed that numerous individual complaints related to mark sheets had largely been resolved. However, he also indicated that the government was actively investigating the broader systemic issues associated with the evaluation process. In a move to further analyze and improve the existing system, a one-member commission, headed by S Radha Chauhan, has been constituted to review current practices and propose systemic enhancements. The court had also previously requested the Solicitor General to provide a detailed account of the corrective measures implemented by the CBSE thus far.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by Rakesh Binjola through advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla, goes beyond merely seeking regulations for the OSM-based evaluation process. It advocates for the formation of a high-powered committee tasked with overseeing and implementing comprehensive reforms within the system. Crucially, the petition also seeks specific relief for students who have been adversely affected by their CBSE marks after securing provisional admission or successfully qualifying in entrance examinations. Among the key demands are relaxations in minimum qualifying marks for these students. Furthermore, the plea seeks an exemption from the stringent 75 percent or other prescribed Class 12 marks requirements in instances where students have already secured provisional admission or cleared relevant entrance examinations.
The hearing scheduled for August 21 is anticipated to be a pivotal moment, offering critical insights into the measures being considered by both the CBSE and the Centre to address the widespread concerns surrounding the OSM evaluation system. For the many students whose admissions or academic progression have been directly impacted by their board scores, the outcome of these proceedings could be immensely significant. Beyond individual cases, the court’s in-depth examination of the broader education mechanism may ultimately determine whether additional safeguards and regulatory frameworks are necessary for future CBSE examinations, thereby shaping the future of digital evaluation in India’s education landscape.
