The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) relaxed key tender norms for its On-Screen Marking (OSM) system after two unsuccessful bidding rounds [1], [2].
This adjustment was necessary to ensure the board could implement a digital marking system in time for the nationwide Class 12 examinations. Without a qualified vendor, the transition from traditional paper-based marking to a digital interface faced significant delays [1], [2].
The board initially floated two successive tenders to find a partner capable of managing the OSM system. However, neither of these first two rounds attracted a vendor that met the board's original qualification criteria [1], [2]. This lack of qualified bidders forced the CBSE to reconsider the strictness of its requirements to avoid a total failure of the procurement process [2].
In August 2025, the CBSE issued a third tender with modified conditions [1]. This third attempt was launched approximately six months before the scheduled nationwide rollout for the Class 12 board exams [1], [2]. By loosening the key tender norms, the board was finally able to identify and secure a qualified vendor to handle the digital marking process [1].
The OSM system is designed to streamline the grading process for millions of students across India. By moving the marking process to screens, the board aims to increase efficiency, and reduce the logistical burden of transporting physical answer sheets [1]. The relaxation of norms highlights the tension between maintaining high procurement standards and meeting rigid academic deadlines — a balance the board had to strike to ensure the exams proceeded as planned [2].
“CBSE relaxed key tender norms for its On-Screen Marking (OSM) system after two unsuccessful bidding rounds.”
The CBSE's decision to lower its vendor requirements suggests a critical shortage of providers capable of meeting the board's initial technical or financial standards. By prioritizing the timeline over the original criteria, the board ensured the digital rollout occurred, but it may have accepted a vendor with a less robust profile than originally intended to avoid a systemic failure of the Class 12 exam cycle.
