CPI(M) Leader John Brittas Raises Alarm Over CBSE's On-Screen Marking System
Concerns Raised by John Brittas
New Delhi: John Brittas, the CPI(M) leader in the Rajya Sabha, has expressed serious concerns to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for CBSE Class-12 examinations. In his communication dated Saturday, he highlighted issues such as blurred scanned answer sheets, inconsistencies in grading, and technical glitches in the re-evaluation process.
In his correspondence, Brittas referenced a previous letter sent on May 21, noting that further complaints and evidence have surfaced from students, parents, educators, and academics nationwide, questioning the transparency and reliability of the evaluation system.
He pointed out that many students have encountered blurred or partially illegible scanned answer sheets, which complicates the verification of their evaluations. Brittas emphasized that if the answer scripts are not clearly readable during digital assessments, it raises doubts about the fairness of the evaluations, ultimately eroding trust in the examination process.
Additionally, he raised issues regarding the insufficient awarding of step marks in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, despite students providing detailed derivations and intermediate workings. He warned that even minor inconsistencies could have significant repercussions, as board exam results are crucial for higher education admissions, scholarships, and career opportunities.
Brittas also noted ongoing technical issues with the re-evaluation and answer-sheet access portal, claiming that candidates are often unable to retrieve documents or submit applications within the required timeframes.
The CPI(M) leader cautioned that such procedural challenges could lead to irreversible harm to students, especially given the strict timelines for admissions.
He urged the minister to take immediate action by initiating an independent review of the OSM system, focusing on the readability of answer scripts, consistency in evaluations, and the awarding of step marks. Furthermore, he called for the implementation of manual verification processes in disputed cases, stabilization of the portal, extension of re-evaluation deadlines, and the introduction of moderation or other academic safeguards during the shift to digital evaluation.