Expressing concern over “frustration” of students in CBSE’s digital marking system, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sought Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s help in hearing a PIL that sought directions to the Center and CBSE to frame regulations for conducting examinations through the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.
CBSE’s OSM evaluation system is a digital grading method where teachers evaluate scanned copies of physical answer sheets on a computer instead of checking physical paper scripts.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “Look at how much frustration young children are feeling,” and sought the help of the Attorney General in handling the case.
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The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalia Bagchi and V Mohana, said there appeared to be systemic “creeping problems” in the digital assessment process.
“We are asking for your help, not in a hostile way. There are some problems,” Judge Bagchi told the public defender and asked for a report on the status of the case.
The chief legal officer informed the bench that although the individual discrepancies mentioned in the petition have largely been resolved, the government takes the systemic issues seriously.
He said a single-member committee, led by S Radha Chauhan, has been formed to review the assessment system and recommend necessary systemic changes.
“We are not dealing with this negatively,” the Secretary-General said. He added that the committee is already studying the grievances.
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The bench has now asked the Solicitor General to apprise it of the steps being taken by CBSE and list the matter for further hearing next week.
The PIL was filed by Rakesh Pingula through advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla.
The petition seeks directions to the Center and CBSE to frame regulations for conducting CBSE board examinations through the OSM assessment system and constitute a high-level committee to oversee and implement these reforms.
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The petitioner has also sought directions to grant relaxation in minimum qualifying marks to students who have already taken provisional admission or clear entrance examinations, as well as exemption from 75 per cent or other criteria of minimum marks for Class 12 stipulated for admission to various courses.
