SC flags 'frustration' of students in CBSE’s digital marking system

India's Supreme Court has voiced concern over the "frustration" experienced by students due to the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) digital marking system. The court is seeking the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to address a public interest litigation that calls for regulations governing the use of on-screen marking (OSM) for examinations.

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Look at the amount of frustration of young children.

The CBSE's OSM system is a digital method where educators assess scanned copies of physical answer sheets on computers, a departure from traditional paper-based evaluations. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant highlighted the "amount of frustration of young children" and requested the solicitor general's help in navigating the case. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also pointed out what they described as "creeping problems" within the digital evaluation process.

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We are seeking your assistance, not in an adversarial way. There are some problems.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that while individual mark sheet discrepancies mentioned in the petition have largely been resolved, the government is taking systemic issues seriously. He noted that a one-member commission, headed by S Radha Chauhan, has been formed to review the evaluation system and propose necessary changes. The court has requested an update on the steps being taken by the CBSE and scheduled further hearings for the following week. The PIL was filed by Rakesh Binjola, advocating for regulations for OSM and the establishment of a high-powered committee to oversee reforms.

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We are not taking this adversely.