CBSE to introduce on-screen marking system for Class XII board exams from 2026
– Mita Mukherjee
Answer scripts of the 2026 CBSE Class XII examinations will be evaluated using an on-screen marking system, the CBSE announced. The new digital marking system is being introduced to enhance the evaluation and result publication process, minimise errors during evaluation, and increase efficiency and transparency, the board said.
However, the evaluation of Class X answer scripts will continue in the existing offline mode, the board clarified.
The CBSE issued a note announcing the decision to all its affiliated schools on Monday.
CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj said the newly introduced digital evaluation system will ensure faster evaluation, reduce manual intervention, eliminate totalling errors, and enable the involvement of more teachers in the evaluation process. Under the new system, teachers can participate in evaluation from their own schools and award marks on a computer screen instead of physical answer scripts.
The system will allow teachers to remain in schools during the evaluation period and attend regular duties. It will also reduce transportation costs and save time.
The 2026 CBSE Class X and XII examinations will begin on February 17 and conclude on April 10. The board has also decided to conduct the Class X examinations twice a year.
The Class XII board examinations, held annually in India and across 26 countries, cater to nearly 46 lakh students, the board said. According to CBSE, under the new system, post-result verification of marks will not be required, and less manpower will be needed for verification.
The CBSE described the initiative as an “environmentally sustainable digital evaluation” and has asked schools to ensure that the required infrastructure is in place before the start of the evaluation process.
Schools must ensure the following infrastructure is available:
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Computer lab with a Public Static IP (as per Affiliation Bye-Laws)
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PC/Laptop with Windows OS 8 or above, 4 GB RAM or higher, and 1 GB free space on the C:/ drive
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Latest internet browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox)
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Adobe Reader (downloadable from https://get.adobe.com/reader)
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Reliable internet connectivity (minimum 2 Mbps)
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Uninterrupted power supply
One comment
Khalid
while the move seems good but there is/ are apprehensions:-
1) Sudden shift to digital systems may increase stress and reduce marking quality if teachers are insufficiently trained or overloaded.
2) Teachers need training, dry runs, and support systems to adapt to digital marking.
3) Some principals have already raised concern about the short preparation time before exams and pressure on schools to become technically ready.
The real outcome will depend when final result comes