CBSE OSM Glitches: Grace Marks for Affected Class 12 Students May Not Be Possible, Centre Tells SC

The controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has reached another stage in the Supreme Court, with the Centre indicating that awarding grace marks to students affected by alleged evaluation glitches may not be possible.

The issue concerns complaints raised by Class 12 students and parents over discrepancies in the evaluation and scanning of answer sheets after CBSE introduced the OSM system for the 2026 board examinations. Students have alleged problems including unclear or missing portions of scanned answer sheets, discrepancies in marks and difficulties accessing answer copies and re-evaluation services.

The Supreme Court has been examining the concerns surrounding the implementation of OSM and has asked authorities to consider measures to protect students whose academic prospects may have been affected. During the proceedings, the court was informed that some students who had cleared their CBSE examinations were unable to meet minimum Class 12 marks requirements for certain entrance-based courses because of their scores.

The Centre's latest position indicates that a blanket award of grace marks may not be a practical solution. The issue is particularly significant because different students have reported different types of evaluation-related difficulties, making it challenging to determine a uniform basis for awarding additional marks.

Why Is the CBSE OSM System Under Scrutiny?

CBSE introduced On-Screen Marking as a digital method of evaluating answer sheets. Under the system, answer scripts are scanned and made available digitally to evaluators for assessment.

Following the declaration of the Class 12 results, however, students reported several alleged discrepancies. These included scanned pages appearing blank or unclear, concerns over marks awarded for answers, and technical problems with the post-result process.

The allegations have resulted in demands for re-evaluation, correction of marks and, in some cases, grace marks for students who believe their scores were affected.

Supreme Court Examines Impact on Students

The Supreme Court has expressed concern about the impact of evaluation-related problems on students' academic futures. In an earlier hearing, the court asked the Centre and CBSE to provide details of remedial measures taken to address concerns arising from the OSM system.

The court has also asked CBSE to explore ways of protecting students who face difficulties in higher-education admissions because of their CBSE scores.

The issue is particularly urgent for students applying to courses where a minimum Class 12 percentage is mandatory. Any delay or unresolved discrepancy in board marks can potentially affect their eligibility for admission.

Why Grace Marks Are Being Demanded

Students and parents have argued that those affected by technical or evaluation-related problems should not suffer academic losses because of issues beyond their control.

Some students have demanded additional marks, while others have sought re-evaluation or correction of their answer sheets. Reports of OSM-related problems have included allegations that complete answers appeared as blank pages in scanned copies and that some students received marks they believed did not correspond with their answers. Such individual claims, however, require verification through the official CBSE evaluation and review process.

The demand for blanket grace marks has therefore become a contentious issue, with authorities having to determine whether individual errors can be identified and corrected without compromising the evaluation system.

What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court proceedings are expected to clarify what remedial measures can be provided to students who have suffered because of genuine evaluation or technical errors.

For affected students, the key issue remains whether their individual answer sheets can be reviewed and corrected and whether they can receive appropriate relief if an error is established.

Students should retain copies of their marksheets, answer-sheet scans, verification or re-evaluation applications and any communication received from CBSE. They should also follow further directions issued by the Board or the Supreme Court rather than relying on claims circulating on social media.

Key Highlights

• The Supreme Court is examining concerns related to CBSE's new OSM evaluation system.

• Students have reported alleged scanning, evaluation and post-result portal problems.

• The Centre has indicated that awarding blanket grace marks may not be possible.

• The Supreme Court has asked authorities to explore measures to protect affected students.

• The issue has particular significance for students facing minimum-mark requirements for higher-education admissions.

• Individual evaluation errors may need to be examined through appropriate verification or review mechanisms.

FAQs

Q1. What is the CBSE OSM controversy?
The controversy relates to concerns raised by students over CBSE's On-Screen Marking system, including alleged scanning and evaluation discrepancies in the 2026 Class 12 examinations.

Q2. Why are students demanding grace marks?
Some students and parents believe that technical or evaluation problems affected their marks and are demanding additional marks or other forms of relief.

Q3. Has the Supreme Court ordered CBSE to give grace marks?
No. The court has been examining the issue and has asked authorities to explore ways of protecting affected students. The Centre has indicated that awarding blanket grace marks may not be possible.

Q4. Could the issue affect college admissions?
Yes. The Supreme Court has been told that some students may face difficulties meeting minimum Class 12 percentage requirements for entrance-based courses because of their CBSE scores.

Q5. What should affected students do?
Students should preserve their marksheets, scanned answer sheets and details of any verification or re-evaluation requests and follow official CBSE and court updates regarding further remedies.

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