CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026: On-screen marking explained, process, benefits, and what changes

For students, the CBSE Class 12 Board exams mark a crucial phase where school life begins to feel more significant. The scores obtained in these high-stakes exams do not just conclude a chapter but shape future opportunities such as college admissions, course selection, scholarships, and eligibility criteria.


CBSE Introduces On-Screen Marking (OSM)
To enhance accuracy, consistency, and streamline the evaluation process, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer sheets starting from the 2026 exams. However, Class 10 evaluations will continue in the traditional format for now.



No Change Inside the Exam Hall
For students, the exam experience will remain unchanged. They will continue writing with pen and paper in stitched answer booklets under standard invigilated conditions. The change begins only after the answer sheets are submitted.

From Physical Copies to Digital Evaluation
Once submitted, answer sheets will no longer follow the traditional process of being physically transported in sealed bundles to evaluation centres. Instead, they will be scanned and uploaded into a secure digital system under OSM.

How On-Screen Marking Works
Under OSM, evaluation shifts to a digital interface. Answer scripts are scanned and uploaded to a central platform, where examiners access them using authorised login credentials. Teachers then assess and assign marks directly on screen instead of handling physical copies.

CBSE has instructed affiliated schools to update detailed teacher information on the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS). This database, including subject expertise and contact details, is used to identify and assign examiners.

Once selected, teachers are onboarded digitally, receiving login credentials via email along with OTP-based verification. Before evaluation begins, they must secure their accounts and familiarise themselves with the system.

To ensure smooth implementation, CBSE has incorporated multiple rounds of practice evaluations, including a large-scale “mass mock.” These sessions help teachers get comfortable with the platform, marking process, and navigation before actual answer sheets are assigned.

Digital Evaluation Process
When evaluation begins, it is conducted entirely through the Digital Evaluation Platform. Answer scripts are allotted in batches, and examiners assess them on screen. Marks are entered question-wise, and the system automatically calculates totals, reducing manual errors.

Improved Accuracy and Efficiency
The structured digital process ensures that every stage, from allocation to marking, is tracked. Since totals are computed automatically, the chances of calculation errors are significantly reduced, which have historically led to re-evaluation requests.

Additionally, removing the need for physical transportation of answer sheets helps speed up the overall evaluation process.

Human Judgement Remains Central
Despite the digital shift, the core evaluation process remains unchanged. Teachers continue to read, interpret, and assess each answer based on the marking scheme. The system only improves efficiency and reduces clerical mistakes; it does not replace human judgment.

[With TOI inputs]