CBSE OSM glitches: Supreme Court seeks permanent mechanism, asks government to respond

The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on setting up a permanent mechanism to address glitches in the board's on-screen marking (OSM) system.

The bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked the authorities to respond by Monday. The matter was later posted for Tuesday.

The court said a long-term solution was needed after the government had earlier described the problems as “teething problems” and constituted a one-member inquiry committee to examine concerns over the OSM rollout for Class 12.

“Earlier, you stated that there are teething problems and a one-member commission is looking into these aspects.”

Court asks if revaluation window can reopen

The government had told the court that students affected by the evaluation issues were given a one-week window to seek revaluation. Around 168,000 students applied during that period.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, said a note had been prepared on the issue but needed to be discussed with the government before being placed before the court.

“But I feel it should be placed before the court in an affidavit. There is something in my mind which I need to discuss with the government. The matter may be taken up on Monday.”

Lawyer Rakesh Binjola, who filed a petition concerning OSM, argued that the number of students who benefited from revaluation was low compared with those affected.

He said nearly 300,000 students appeared for compartment examinations and sought another opportunity for students who missed the revaluation deadline.

“The government must consider extending the window for revaluation, as many students were caught unawares.”

The bench then asked Mehta, “Can the window be reopened for a week? You must look into this matter.”

Government cites deadline for competitive exams

Mehta said reopening the window might not be possible because the deadline had been fixed keeping other competitive examinations in mind.

“They have missed the deadline, and nothing can be done. A specific decision was taken to give a one-week window, following which 168,000 students applied.”

Petition seeks broader OSM framework

The petitioner has sought a regulatory framework for CBSE examinations conducted through OSM and a high-powered committee to oversee its implementation.

Binjola also sought relaxation of minimum qualifying marks for students who secured provisional admissions or cleared entrance examinations, arguing that evaluation problems had affected board scores. He said some students were yet to receive copies of their answer scripts.

The bench asked the petitioner to identify categories of students who remained affected, including those unable to apply during the revaluation period because of technological difficulties.