Long before he became known for raising concerns over the CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) tender process, Sarthak Sidhant was a technology enthusiast who grew up surrounded by computers. At the age of three, he had already started using a computer mouse. His parents had backgrounds in computer engineering, while his father also ran a computer academy.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Sarthak spoke about his interests in technology. He revealed that being around computers since childhood made him curious about technology and how computers work. Curious about how technology worked, Sarthak began learning outside the classroom.
“I started taking an interest in computers and technology. I learned my way around myself,” Sarthak added. During the sixth and seventh grades, he began exploring programming and other technology fields on his own, and gradually developed a strong interest in programming and software development.
How Sarthak learned programming and technology
As he learned more, he became very interested in programming and software development. His interests soon expanded beyond programming. He has worked on robotics projects and explored the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables devices to communicate over the Internet. By 2023, he had also begun to learn about artificial intelligence (AI), a field that later became one of his main areas of interest.
In 12th grade, he studied physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and English, showing his continued interest in technology and computer-related subjects. His artistic background was also evident during discussions of the OSM controversy. Sarthak spoke about scanners, image quality, DPI settings and digital systems, demonstrating the knowledge he has gained through years of independent learning and exploration.
Sarthak’s future plans
Civic technology is high on Sarthak’s priority list, because it directly impacts public systems. Sarthak told HT that he wants to join engineering as he is completing his Class 12 exams.
“I want to pursue engineering and study in any college I get in Bangalore. I have given my entrance exams and am waiting to start the counseling process,” Sarthak said. Looking to the future, Sarthak plans to pursue engineering.
When asked about his long-term plans, Sarthak said he wants to build a career in the technology sector, with artificial intelligence among the areas he would like to pursue professionally. Data science is another field that particularly interests him.
He also expressed an interest in civic technology, which focuses on using technology to improve public systems and services. As he prepares to begin engineering studies, Sarthak hopes to combine his interests in artificial intelligence, data science, and civic technology to work on real-world challenges in the future. His journey from a curious child surrounded by computers to a self-taught technology enthusiast has played a role in drawing attention to the CBSE OSM bidding process.
What is CBSE OSM class?
CBSE OSM (On-Screen Marks) row is a controversy surrounding CBSE’s new digital system used to evaluate the answer sheets of the Class 12 board exams in 2026. Under this system, the answer sheets were scanned and checked on computers instead of being physically evaluated. The issue gained attention after the 12th grade pass rate dropped to 85.2%, prompting some students, parents and teachers to question whether the new system was affecting results. Meanwhile, a separate controversy arose over the contract awarded to Hyderabad-based Coempt EduTeck to operate the OSM system.
The matter came under scrutiny after 17-year-old whistleblower Sarthak Siddhant alleged that CBSE changed the tender conditions across multiple rounds in a way that favored the company. Its findings led to a parliamentary review, a Department for Education investigation into the tender process, political backlash, and the transfer of senior CBSE officials. The Central Board of Secondary Education and the Ministry of Education denied any wrongdoing, saying the OSM system was introduced to make the marking process more transparent, fair and accurate.
