The controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has intensified, with the Education Ministry reportedly seeking a detailed report from the board over allegations linked to the awarding of the digital evaluation contract to Hyderabad-based Coempt EduTeck.
The development comes amid mounting criticism from students, educators, and opposition leaders, who have raised questions about transparency, technical preparedness, and procedural changes allegedly made during the tender process.
Ministry Steps In
Sources indicate that the Ministry of Education has asked CBSE officials to submit a comprehensive explanation regarding the selection process, operational failures, and complaints associated with the OSM project.
The ministry is also understood to be reviewing whether standard procurement norms were followed before the contract was awarded to Coempt EduTeck, a firm now facing intense scrutiny over its role in the digital answer-sheet evaluation system.
The controversy has triggered speculation over possible administrative action within CBSE, with insiders suggesting accountability could extend to senior officials involved in the tender and implementation process.
What Is The OSM Controversy?
The On-Screen Marking system was introduced as part of CBSE’s push toward digitized evaluation of Class 10 and Class 12 board examination answer sheets. The system was expected to improve efficiency, reduce logistical burdens, and speed up result processing.
However, several reports and complaints have alleged serious glitches during implementation, including:
- Technical disruptions affecting evaluators
- Delays in assessment processes
- Questions over data handling and security
- Alleged modifications in tender eligibility criteria before the contract award
A student petitioner and multiple education activists have claimed that tender norms may have been altered in a manner that benefited a particular vendor.
These allegations have fueled demands for an independent investigation into the procurement process.
Opposition Attacks Intensify
The issue has also entered the political arena.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently demanded a judicial inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter, alleging that the controversy reflects deeper governance and transparency concerns in India’s education system.
Opposition parties have questioned why a sensitive national examination infrastructure project was handed to a private firm now facing operational criticism.
Some critics have also pointed to alleged past controversies involving digital evaluation contracts in the education sector, arguing that lessons from earlier disputes may not have been adequately addressed.
CBSE Yet To Issue Detailed Clarification
While CBSE has acknowledged concerns regarding the OSM system, the board has so far not issued a detailed public clarification addressing all allegations linked to the tender process.
Officials maintain that digital evaluation remains essential for modernizing India’s examination ecosystem and improving efficiency at scale.
However, education experts say the controversy highlights the risks of rapidly implementing large-scale technological systems without adequate testing, oversight, and transparency.
Bigger Questions Around Digital Education Infrastructure
The controversy has sparked wider debate about the increasing privatization and digitization of critical education infrastructure in India.
Experts argue that while technology-driven evaluation systems can reduce human error and speed up operations, they must be backed by:
- Robust cybersecurity safeguards
- Transparent procurement systems
- Independent technical audits
- Strong accountability mechanisms
With millions of students depending on board examination outcomes, even minor operational failures can create widespread anxiety and mistrust.
As the ministry’s review progresses, attention will remain focused on whether the controversy results merely in procedural corrections — or whether significant administrative action follows within CBSE itself.
