New Delhi, July 15: The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over issues emerging from the CBSE digital evaluation system, observing that complaints from students indicate the need for a closer review of the existing assessment process. The court sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that calls for comprehensive reforms in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s on-screen marking mechanism.
The matter came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. During the hearing, the bench noted that repeated grievances raised by students point towards possible systemic shortcomings in the digital evaluation process.
The petition challenges the functioning of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, under which teachers evaluate scanned copies of answer sheets digitally rather than checking physical scripts. The petitioner argued that while the technology was introduced to improve efficiency and transparency, several students have reported discrepancies and inconsistencies that require immediate attention.
Expressing concern over the situation, the bench remarked that the volume of complaints reflected the level of anxiety and frustration experienced by students. The judges observed that the issue extends beyond isolated cases and may involve broader administrative and procedural concerns that deserve judicial attention.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the court was not adopting an adversarial approach but was instead seeking the Centre’s cooperation in identifying practical solutions. The bench requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist the court by providing details of the measures already undertaken by the government and the CBSE to improve the evaluation framework.
Responding to the court, the Solicitor General informed the bench that many of the individual discrepancies highlighted in the petition had already been addressed. However, he acknowledged that the government recognizes the importance of examining larger structural issues associated with the digital assessment process.
He further informed the court that the government has constituted a one-member commission headed by former bureaucrat S. Radha Chauhan. The commission has been entrusted with reviewing the present evaluation mechanism, examining complaints received from stakeholders, and recommending suitable reforms to strengthen the system.
According to the Centre, the committee is evaluating multiple aspects of digital marking, including procedural safeguards, examiner training, quality control, and methods for reducing human error during online assessment. The recommendations are expected to help enhance fairness, consistency, and transparency in board examinations conducted by the CBSE.
Taking note of these submissions, the Supreme Court directed the Solicitor General to file a detailed status report explaining the progress made by the committee and the corrective steps initiated by the CBSE. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing next week.
The Public Interest Litigation has been filed by Rakesh Binjola through advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla. Besides seeking reforms in the evaluation process, the petition also requests the court to direct the Centre and the CBSE to frame formal regulations governing the implementation of the On-Screen Marking system.
Another important prayer in the petition relates to students who may have suffered academic disadvantages due to alleged evaluation errors. The petitioner has sought relaxation in minimum qualifying marks for candidates who have already secured provisional admissions or cleared entrance examinations but failed to meet prescribed Class 12 eligibility criteria because of disputed board results.
The plea also urges the authorities to consider temporary exemptions from the existing 75 per cent or other minimum Class 12 marks requirements applicable to admissions in certain higher education institutions until concerns regarding the evaluation process are fully resolved.
The On-Screen Marking system was introduced by the CBSE to modernize answer-sheet evaluation by digitizing the checking process. Under the system, physical answer books are scanned and uploaded to a secure digital platform where examiners assess responses electronically. The board has maintained that the technology improves efficiency, reduces logistical challenges, and enhances confidentiality.
However, over the past few examination cycles, several students and parents have raised concerns regarding evaluation accuracy, technical glitches, and inconsistencies in marking. While many cases have been resolved through verification and re-evaluation procedures, the latest PIL argues that a broader review of the entire digital assessment framework is necessary.
Education experts believe that digital evaluation can significantly improve examination management if supported by robust quality checks, standardized examiner training, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms. They argue that technology should complement human judgment rather than replace careful academic evaluation.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to accelerate discussions on strengthening India’s board examination system by balancing technological innovation with procedural fairness. The outcome of the committee’s recommendations and the government’s response may influence future reforms in digital assessment across educational boards in the country.
With the court seeking a comprehensive status report, attention will now shift to the Centre and the CBSE’s proposed roadmap for improving the CBSE digital evaluation system, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and confidence among students appearing for board examinations.