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SC asks Centre, CBSE to detail steps to fix OSM system glitches

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityEducation

Why in news

The Supreme Court has intervened over glitches in CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, causing frustration among students. The court seeks remedial steps from the Centre and CBSE, highlighting concerns about implementation issues.

Background

CBSE adopted the OSM system for digital evaluation of board exam answer sheets. The system faced teething problems, leading to discrepancies in marksheets and a petition in the Supreme Court.

Key facts

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  1. Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant heard the matter on July 16, 2026.

  2. The court asked Centre and CBSE to detail remedial steps for OSM system glitches.

  3. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed that petitioner's individual mark sheet grievance was resolved.

  4. The petition also seeks broader reforms in board examinations through OSM.

  5. A one-member committee of S Radha Chauhan has been appointed by the government.

  6. CJI observed that evaluation discrepancies caused 'frustration' to young students.

  7. The court clarified it is not questioning CBSE's decision to adopt OSM but concerned about teething problems.

  8. Mehta assured cooperation, stating the government is not taking an adversarial stance.

Prelims pointers

  • Supreme Court bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana
  • OSM: On-Screen Marking system
  • CBSE: Central Board of Secondary Education
  • Solicitor General: Tushar Mehta
  • One-member committee: S Radha Chauhan

Mains angles

  • GS2: Role of judiciary in ensuring fair examination processes
  • GS2: Issues in education governance and technology adoption
  • GS2: Accountability of public institutions like CBSE
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