CBSE Digital Evaluation Controversy Deepens; Centre Transfers Top Officials, Launches Inquiry
New Delhi. ; In a major administrative development amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) digital evaluation system, the Central Government has transferred the Board’s Chairman and Secretary and initiated an inquiry into the procurement of On-Screen Marking (OSM) services.
The action comes after weeks of criticism and growing concern over CBSE’s evaluation process, online answer-book access system, and post-result services, which affected thousands of students and parents across the country.
CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh, IAS, who was overseeing examination reforms and the Board’s key operations, and Secretary Himanshu Gupta, IAS, responsible for administration, affiliations, and finance, have both been moved from their positions.
Students Reported Technical Problems
The controversy intensified after the declaration of Class 10 and Class 12 board examination results when many students faced difficulties while accessing scanned copies of their answer sheets through the online portal.
Several candidates alleged that the uploaded answer books contained blurred images, incomplete pages, and missing sections. Many students and parents also complained about technical glitches and delays in the re-evaluation and verification processes.
The concerns quickly gained public attention on social media, with students, teachers, and education experts questioning the reliability and transparency of the digital evaluation system.
Questions Raised Over OSM Tender Process
As the issue escalated, attention shifted toward the On-Screen Marking (OSM) platform and the process through which the digital evaluation contract was awarded.
Questions were raised regarding vendor selection procedures, cybersecurity standards, technical preparedness, and whether proper procurement guidelines were followed while awarding the contract.
The matter sparked wider debate over the increasing dependence on technology in high-stakes examination systems without adequate safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
Government Orders Inquiry
In response to the growing controversy, the Central Government has now constituted an inquiry committee to examine the procurement and implementation of OSM services by CBSE.
Although detailed terms of reference for the committee are yet to be officially released, the inquiry is expected to investigate the tendering process, contractual procedures, technical execution, and compliance with administrative norms.
CBSE Had Issued Clarifications Earlier
Earlier, CBSE had issued several clarifications regarding the problems faced by students. The Board had also extended certain deadlines and assured students that all genuine grievances related to answer-book access and re-evaluation would be examined through the prescribed process.
However, dissatisfaction among students and parents continued to grow, leading to increased public and media scrutiny.
Major Administrative Action
The transfer of the CBSE Chairman and Secretary is being viewed as one of the most significant administrative actions taken in connection with the controversy so far.
The latest developments indicate that the government is taking the matter seriously as concerns continue to emerge over transparency, technology management, and accountability within one of India’s largest school examination systems.
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