Student briefs Parliament panel on CBSE's controversial OSM system

Student briefs Parliament panel on CBSE's controversial OSM system | Quick Digest
A 17-year-old student, Sarthak Sidhant, presented his findings on alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system to a Parliamentary Standing Committee. The committee, reviewing the system's implementation and student concerns, also summoned CBSE officials. This comes amid widespread student complaints about technical glitches and evaluation discrepancies.

Key Highlights

  • Student Sarthak Sidhant presented findings on CBSE's OSM system to Parliament.
  • Parliamentary committee summoned CBSE officials for a briefing.
  • Allegations include irregularities in the OSM tendering process.
  • Students reported technical glitches and evaluation discrepancies.
  • The committee aims to ensure transparency and accountability in evaluations.
A 17-year-old student, Sarthak Sidhant, has presented his in-depth analysis of alleged irregularities in the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports. The committee, chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, summoned senior CBSE officials, including the Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy Sanjay Kumar, to brief them on the system's implementation and address the concerns raised by students. The development comes amid a growing controversy surrounding CBSE's transition to digital evaluation for Class 12 board examinations, with numerous students reporting technical glitches, discrepancies in evaluation, and challenges during the post-result verification process. Sidhant, who has been actively investigating the OSM system, presented his findings based on a review of tender documents obtained from the Central Public Procurement portal. He alleged that CBSE rewrote its tender rules to favor Coempt EduTeck, the firm responsible for the OSM system, citing at least 15 discrepancies in successive tenders. These alleged anomalies include alterations in clauses related to poor performance, blacklisting, financial qualification limits, and project eligibility criteria. Sidhant emphasized that his concerns are not with the concept of digital evaluation itself but rather with the implementation and procurement processes, advocating for more extensive testing and pilot runs before a full rollout. The Parliamentary committee's review is part of a broader effort to examine the use of OSM in Class 12 examinations and to ensure transparency and accountability in the assessment process. The committee has also involved the Director General of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), indicating a potential examination of the technological and cybersecurity aspects of the controversy. In response to the mounting scrutiny, the Centre has taken action against CBSE leadership, transferring Chairman Rahul Singh and secretary Himanshu Gupta. Additionally, a one-member committee under S Radha Chauhan has been constituted to inquire into the procurement services for the OSM system. This move follows earlier reports of an internal observation report that had identified at least 36 technical, operational, and assessment-related issues during a trial run of the OSM system in January 2026, weeks before its nationwide rollout. The controversy surrounding the OSM system began with student complaints about blurred or incomplete scanned answer sheets, potential mix-ups of answer scripts, and discrepancies in marks. Some students also alleged that schools were pressuring them to publicly defend the OSM system on social media. CBSE, however, has maintained that it followed proper procedures in awarding the contract and denied any wrongdoing. The board has also stated that an expert team is working to strengthen the system's security infrastructure. Despite the denials, the concerns raised by students like Sarthak Sidhant and the subsequent parliamentary review highlight the need for greater transparency and robust safeguards in India's digital evaluation systems for examinations. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports is one of Parliament's 24 standing committees, comprising 31 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, tasked with examining legislation, budgetary allocations, policy matters, and specific issues. While the committee does not possess direct executive or punitive authority, it holds the power to summon officials, seek documents, and scrutinize the functioning of public institutions, with the ultimate goal of making recommendations to the executive. The latest developments underscore the growing demand for accountability in the education sector, especially concerning examination processes that directly impact millions of students across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sarthak Sidhant and why is he significant in the CBSE OSM controversy?

Sarthak Sidhant is a 17-year-old student who gained prominence for his in-depth investigation into the tendering process and alleged irregularities of the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. His findings were presented to a Parliamentary Standing Committee, bringing student concerns directly to the legislative attention.

What is the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system?

The OSM system is a digital evaluation process introduced by CBSE where answer sheets are scanned and evaluated electronically on a computer, replacing the traditional physical marking. The aim was to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance transparency.

What specific allegations did Sarthak Sidhant make regarding the OSM system's tendering process?

Sarthak Sidhant alleged that the CBSE modified its tender rules and clauses, such as those related to performance, blacklisting, and financial qualifications, across successive rounds of bidding. He claims these changes appeared to favor the company awarded the contract, Coempt EduTeck.

What actions have been taken by the government in response to the CBSE OSM controversy?

In response to the mounting scrutiny and allegations, the Centre has transferred CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and secretary Himanshu Gupta. Additionally, a one-member committee has been formed to inquire into the procurement of services for the OSM system.

What is the role of the Parliamentary Standing Committee in this matter?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports is reviewing the implementation of the OSM system and student concerns. While it doesn't have direct punitive powers, it can summon officials, seek documents, and make recommendations to the government to ensure accountability and transparency in the education system.

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