CBSE’s online evaluation: ‘Reform forward-looking, not without challenges’

Indore: The introduction of on-screen marking for CBSE class 12 answer sheets has prompted a major operational shift in the city's examination framework this year. The digital evaluation system, aimed at improving speed and accuracy, will run alongside the traditional manual assessment that continues for class 10.More than 17,000 students from Indore are set to appear for board examinations beginning Feb 17, with over 45 CBSE-affiliated schools designated as centres. Along with conducting exams, selected institutions will also function as evaluation hubs, requiring strong digital infrastructure and technical preparedness.According to CBSE city coordinator UK Jha, the initial adjustment period for teachers is expected to be brief. He said that evaluators may need a short time to get comfortable with the system, but routine tasks such as filling front sheets of answer books, which earlier consumed time, will be reduced. "The board is also planning a webinar to address teachers' queries and familiarise them with the process," he added. He also said that examination centres were instructed to ensure appropriate facilities for students.School administrators say the shift has changed the logistics of evaluation. Instead of large halls where bundles of answer sheets were checked manually, computer labs will now serve as assessment spaces. Manoj Bajpai, principal of Birla Open Minds School, pointed out that uninterrupted internet connectivity and an adequate number of computer systems are essential. He also advised that students should write clearly, as scanned copies of answer sheets will be assessed on screen. The system, he said, reduces the chance of answers being left unchecked and lowers the possibility of totalling errors.Educationists describe the reform as forward-looking, though not without challenges. Anju Chopra, principal of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, observed that digital evaluation can lead to faster and more reliable results by cutting delays linked to transporting physical answer books. At the same time, she stressed the importance of teacher readiness, managing screen fatigue, and ensuring stable infrastructure, including power backup and secure systems.With the examination schedule approaching, schools across Indore are working to balance technical arrangements with academic focus, as students prepare to write their papers under a system that signals a gradual modernisation of board's assessment practices.PointersDigital assessmentCBSE will conduct digital on-screen evaluation of class 12 answer sheets this yearExams will be held offline from Feb 17 to March 9Answer sheets will be high-security scanned & converted into digital imagesEach copy will receive unique code to maintain tracking & confidentialityEvaluators will log in through their OASIS ID for checking processSeparate columns for each question, totals will be auto-calculatedSystem removes totalling errors & keeps student identity hiddenTransport costs and evaluation time are expected to reduceRechecking can also be done online if required