NSUI workers protested outside the CBSE regional office in Delhi to oppose the on-screen marking system used for Class 12 examinations [1], [2].

The controversy centers on whether a digital transition in grading has compromised student results. If the system is flawed, it could affect the academic futures of thousands of students across India.

Protesters said that the on-screen marking (OSM) system caused significant evaluation errors [1], [2]. They linked these technical glitches to a drop in pass percentages for the 2026 exams [1], [2]. The NSUI activists staged the demonstration with placards to demand a review of the digital evaluation process [1].

CBSE defended the OSM system in a statement [2]. The board said that the digital process is robust and reliable for grading high-stakes examinations [2].

The dispute has evolved into a political conflict between the BJP and Congress parties [1]. Opposition members criticized the ruling government and questioned the tender process used to select the firm responsible for the OSM software [1]. The parties exchanged blame over the alleged decline in student performance and the management of the educational infrastructure [1].

This friction follows a broader trend of digitalization in the Indian education system. While the board seeks efficiency through technology, critics argue that the lack of transparency in software tenders, and the potential for system errors, create unacceptable risks for students [1], [2].

“NSUI workers protested outside the CBSE regional office in Delhi”

The clash between the CBSE and political activists highlights the tension between rapid digital transformation and quality assurance in public education. By shifting to on-screen marking, the board aims for faster processing, but the resulting political row suggests that technical reliability and the transparency of government contracts remain critical points of vulnerability.