What is CBSE’s ‘On-Screen Marking’ For Class 12 Board Exams? How It Works? CBSE New Rules 2026 Explained

CBSE New Rules 2026: To reduce the post-examination hassle and ease the logistics-related burden, the Central Board of Secondary Education has rolled out the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for the evaluation of Class 12 answer books. The new system will be implemented from the upcoming CBSE Class 12 board examinations, set to begin on February 17.

"The Board has decided to introduce On-Screen Marking (0SM) for the evaluation of Class XIl answer books beginning with the 2026 examinations. Evaluation of Class X answer books will continue in physical mode as before in 2026," read an official order released by CBSE on 9 February.

The new system is expected to boost transparency in checking and ease the process of revaluation of answer sheets after the result announcement. Class 10th Board Exam papers are currently out of the assessment system.

What is CBSE On-Screen Marking' For Class 12 Board Exams?

CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) is a digital evaluation system that will allow teachers to check Class 12 board answer sheets on a computer screen. As per the system, all the answer sheets will be scanned on a computer, and their digital copies will be sent to examiners for checking.

How CBSE's OSM System Will Work?

Once the CBSE Class 12 Board exams are completed, all the answer sheets will be scanned to create a single data pool of the answer books. The examiners can access the answer sheets in digital form for evaluation.

What Are The Benefits Of CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) System?

The OSM system of evaluation will help in reducing total errors, ensure automated coordination, reduce manual intervention, bring faster evaluation with wider teacher participation. As per the CBSE notice, it can help teachers to remain in their schools and continue regular duties.

The system will also save transportation time and cost, eliminate the requirement of post-result verification of marks. It will also reduce manpower requirement for verification.

CBSE On-Screen Marking System: Infrastructure Required

Computer labs are required to ensure mandatory infrastructure requirements like computer labs with Public Static IP (as per Affiliation Bye-Laws), PC/Laptop with Windows OS 8 or above, 4 GB RAM or higher, and 1 GB free space on C:/ drive.
The school should also have latest internet browser (Chrome/Edge/IE/Firefox), Adobe Reader (downloadable from https://get.adobe.com/reader/), Reliable internet connectivity (minimum 2 Mbps), and uninterrupted power supply.

CBSE Board Exam 2026 will begin on February 17. As per the revised schedule, Class 10 examinations are expected to conclude on March 11, 2026. Whereas, Class 12th exam rules will continue till April 10, 2026.