Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has brought about major changes in evaluation for CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026. On-Screen Marking (OSM) has been introduced, marking a shift from physical checking of examination answer sheets to digital evaluation. This evaluation system will help teachers be more accurate, transparent and efficient in checking the answer scripts. CBSE Class 12 2026 will be the first batch of students who will undergo this process of evaluation. For teachers to get used to this process, a webinar will be conducted to help them understand each aspect of this CBSE OSM assessment system.
What is CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM)?
OSM is the process of evaluating answer sheets digitally. The answer sheets will be scanned and uploaded on a secure platform that can be accessed by specific people. Examiners will assess these digital copies on the computer and enter the marks obtained on the same platform. The examiners will not check physical answer sheets for CBSE Class 12 students, whereas for Class 10, board examiners will check only physical copies.
Why On-Screen Marking (OSM) Matters in CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026
CBSE has listed many benefits of introducing OSM. Furthermore the list of benefits is as follows:
- Reduce errors related to totaling of marks
- Faster evaluation through wider participation of teachers across affiliated schools
- Automated coordination, reducing manual intervention and the scope for mistakes
- Teachers remain in schools and carry on with regular duties as they need to check answer sheets on the computer
- Save time and cost on transportation as answer sheets need not be sent to different locations
- No need for post-result verification of marks
- Reduced manpower for verification-related work
- Opportunity for all affiliated schools, nationally and globally, to contribute to the evaluation process
- Involvement of teachers from CBSE-affiliated schools globally
- Environment-friendly digital evaluation
Infrastructure Requirement for Schools for OSM
To make the process smooth for on-screen marking in CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026, schools are required to have certain infrastructure ready.
- A dedicated computer lab with Public Static IP (as per Affiliation Bye-Laws)
- A laptop or a PC with Windows OS 8 or above, minimum 4 GB RAM and at least 1 GB free space on C:/ drive
- The latest version of Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer or Firefox browser
- Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded from Adobe’s website
- Reliable internet connectivity witha minimum of 2 Mbps
Uninterrupted supply of electricity
What Does OSM Mean for Teachers?
This is a new change introduced right before the CBSE 2026 Board Exams. CBSE is committed to providing full support to teachers to make this change easier.
- Teachers with OASIS IDs will be given access to familiarise themselves with the platform by logging in to the system. They are requested to practice many times to avoid any trouble on the day of the evaluation.
- Multiple dry runs will be conducted by CBSE so that teachers get enough practice.
- A call centre will be established to help with issue resolution.
- Instructional videos will also be provided so that teachers can view them whenever they get stuck on the platform.
- CBSE will monitor the activities of teachers during log-in and practice sessions. However, they can practice as many times as they need.
What Does it Mean for the Principals?
School principals have to ensure that teachers of classes 11 and 12 complete these activities as directed by CBSE. A dashboard will also be made available to monitor and track:
- Total number of teachers of Classes XI and XII whose details are updated on the OASIS portal
- Number of teachers who have completed the OSM practice
- Number of teachers yet to participate
What Does OSM Mean for Class 12 Students?
The change from physical checking of answer sheets to on-screen marking (OSM) in the CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026 will be beneficial for students in many ways.
- There will be fewer mistakes in totalling, hence fewer evaluation errors.
- Since the evaluation will be faster, results will be posted earlier.
- Earlier results will help them with competitive exams and admissions to different programs.
- This will also increase transparency in the marks allotted.
Final Words
CBSE Class 12 OSM is a new initiative to increase transparency, efficiency and ease of checking answer sheets. CBSE has made it easier for teachers to correct answer scripts without leaving their school. Furthermore, they can carry on with their regular school duties.
OSM is part of broader assessment initiatives that CBSE is bringing to change the way students learn and teachers evaluate for a more transparent evaluation while reducing the burden on teachers.