Transforming Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities of On-Screen Marking in Education
From answer books to digital screens: Managing change in assessment systems
Image: The Times Of India
The shift to On-Screen Marking (OSM) by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) aims to modernize assessment but faces significant challenges. Key issues include inadequate pilot testing, insufficient training for evaluators, and concerns about transparency and fairness in evaluations. Stakeholder readiness is crucial for successful implementation.
- 01The CBSE's limited pilot testing for OSM did not adequately reflect India's diverse educational landscape.
- 02Teacher-evaluators require comprehensive training and support to adapt to the OSM system effectively.
- 03Concerns raised include blurred scans and connectivity issues, highlighting the need for robust quality assurance.
- 04Stakeholder confidence in the OSM process hinges on transparency and accountability in evaluations.
- 05Successful educational reforms should focus on integrating technology while ensuring fairness and reliability.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The introduction of On-Screen Marking (OSM) by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) represents a significant technological advancement in assessment systems, converting traditional answer scripts into digital formats for efficient evaluation. However, the implementation has encountered challenges that raise concerns about the transition from established practices to new processes. Key issues include the inadequacy of the pilot program, which failed to capture the diverse needs of India's educational ecosystem, and the lack of comprehensive training for teacher-evaluators, who play a crucial role in maintaining consistency and standardization. Stakeholders have reported various problems, such as blurred scans and internet connectivity issues, which underscore the necessity for robust quality assurance mechanisms. To foster trust in the OSM system, it is essential for the CBSE to define clear responsibilities among all parties involved, including vendors and evaluators, and to develop transparent procedures for addressing errors. As educational institutions move towards digital assessments, they must prioritize fairness, reliability, and transparency to ensure that the benefits of technology enhance the evaluation process rather than compromise it.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The transition to OSM affects students, teachers, and educational institutions nationwide, as it changes how assessments are conducted.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the transition to digital assessment systems?
Connecting to poll...
More about Central Board of Secondary Education
Parliamentary Panel Probes NEET and CBSE OSM Issues, Seeks Clarity from NTA and CBSE
Business Standard • Jun 7, 2026

Student Activist Sarthak Siddhant Urges CBSE to Extend Re-evaluation Deadline Amid Controversy
Moneycontrol • Jun 7, 2026

CBSE Class 10 Home Science Syllabus for 2026-27 Released: Key Details and Download Link
Jagran Josh • Jun 7, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

