The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has approached the Delhi High Court seeking an independent inquiry into the Central Board of Secondary Education’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system used for evaluating Class XII board examination answer sheets. The petition raises concerns regarding the functioning of the digital evaluation mechanism and alleges that several students have faced difficulties arising from the implementation of the system. According to the plea, the matter affects a large number of students and has significant implications for academic assessment and future educational opportunities.
The petition has been filed as a public interest litigation and challenges the manner in which the OSM system was implemented for the evaluation of board examination answer sheets. The OSM system involves the scanning of answer books and their subsequent digital assessment by evaluators. While the system was introduced with the objective of modernizing the evaluation process, the petition claims that several issues emerged following the declaration of examination results.
According to the plea, numerous students raised concerns regarding the evaluation process after the announcement of results. The petition refers to complaints alleging problems such as blurred scans of answer sheets, missing pages, incomplete digital records, and discrepancies in evaluation. It contends that these alleged deficiencies created uncertainty among students regarding whether their answer scripts had been properly assessed.
The petition asserts that the concerns expressed by students were not isolated incidents but reflected a broader apprehension regarding the reliability of the evaluation process. It states that many students sought access to their scanned answer sheets and requested verification of their marks after the results were declared. According to the petition, the large number of such requests indicates a lack of confidence in the system and raises questions regarding the accuracy of the evaluation mechanism.
NSUI has argued that the situation extends beyond routine dissatisfaction that commonly follows examination results. The plea maintains that the volume of complaints and requests for verification demonstrates a significant level of concern among students and parents. It contends that these concerns require a thorough and independent examination to determine whether any irregularities occurred during the evaluation process.
A major grievance highlighted in the petition relates to the adequacy of the grievance redressal mechanism available to students. According to the plea, students who believed that errors had occurred during evaluation were provided only limited options for review. The petition argues that the existing framework does not offer sufficient opportunities for meaningful verification and correction of potential mistakes. It contends that students should have access to more comprehensive remedies where disputes arise regarding the assessment of answer sheets.
The petition also points to the potential academic consequences faced by students who question their results. It states that delays in resolving disputes relating to evaluation may adversely affect admissions, counselling processes, and other educational opportunities. According to the plea, students who believe that their answer sheets were not properly evaluated may suffer irreparable prejudice if corrective mechanisms are not made available within a reasonable period.
In view of these concerns, the petition seeks reopening of the verification portal for an additional period of one month. It argues that such a step would enable students who were unable to seek review earlier, or who continue to have concerns regarding their results, to access the verification process. The plea maintains that extending the verification period would provide a meaningful opportunity for students to pursue their grievances.
Apart from reopening the verification facility, the petition seeks the introduction of manual rechecking and physical verification of answer books in disputed cases. According to the plea, reliance solely on digital processes may not be sufficient where allegations of evaluation errors arise. The petition argues that manual verification would serve as an additional safeguard and help ensure that students receive fair treatment in cases involving disputes over marks.
The litigation also calls for an independent inquiry into the functioning of the OSM system. The petition seeks an examination of the technological infrastructure, scanning procedures, evaluation mechanisms, and safeguards associated with the digital assessment process. According to the plea, such an inquiry is necessary to determine whether deficiencies existed and whether corrective measures are required to prevent similar concerns in the future.
Another aspect highlighted in the petition relates to transparency in examination evaluation. The plea contends that students must have confidence in the systems used to assess their academic performance. It argues that digital evaluation mechanisms should operate in a manner that allows students to verify their results and seek appropriate remedies whenever concerns arise. According to the petition, transparency is essential for maintaining trust in examination processes that affect the educational prospects of a large number of students.
The petition further seeks oversight and intervention to ensure that adequate safeguards are established for future implementation of technology-based evaluation systems. It argues that technological innovation in examination assessment should be accompanied by robust mechanisms designed to detect and rectify errors. According to the plea, safeguards must be introduced to ensure fairness, accountability, and reliability in digital evaluation processes.
The controversy surrounding the OSM system has attracted attention from students and educational stakeholders who have expressed concerns regarding the assessment process. The petition refers to demands for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the evaluation system. These concerns have contributed to calls for a detailed examination of the procedures adopted for digital assessment of answer sheets.
According to the plea, students should not be placed in a position where doubts regarding evaluation remain unresolved while important academic processes continue. The petition emphasizes that examination results often play a crucial role in determining admissions and future educational opportunities. It therefore argues that any concerns regarding the accuracy of evaluation should be addressed promptly and effectively.
NSUI has maintained that the petition has been filed in the larger public interest and seeks to protect the interests of students affected by the implementation of the OSM system. The organization contends that an independent inquiry would help establish whether the concerns raised by students have merit and whether improvements are required in the evaluation framework.
The plea urges the Court to ensure that students are provided meaningful opportunities to verify their results and seek correction of potential errors. It also seeks measures aimed at strengthening confidence in digital evaluation systems and ensuring that examination assessment processes remain transparent and accountable.
The matter before the Delhi High Court raises questions concerning the functioning of the CBSE’s On-Screen Marking system, the adequacy of the remedies available to students who challenge their results, and the safeguards necessary to ensure fairness in digital evaluation. Through the public interest litigation, NSUI has sought reopening of verification facilities, provision of manual verification in disputed cases, an independent inquiry into the operation of the OSM system, and the formulation of stronger safeguards for future technology-based assessment processes. The case is expected to focus on the concerns raised regarding digital evaluation and the measures required to address the grievances of students affected by the system.
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