Bhubaneswar:  In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the interests of millions of students, the Ministry of Education has initiated a series of definitive measures following concerns surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

The Centre has transferred CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta and ordered a high-level inquiry into the procurement and implementation of the digital evaluation platform. The decision comes amid allegations related to the tendering process, technical glitches during post-result services, and reported cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The government has appointed a one-member committee headed by Capacity Building Commission Chairperson S. Radha Chauhan to investigate the matter and submit its findings to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) within a month.

The move is being viewed as an effort to ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence in one of India's largest school examination systems.

Student Concerns Prompt Swift Government Response

The intervention follows complaints from students and parents after the declaration of Class 10 and Class 12 board examination results.

By ordering an independent inquiry, the Ministry has signalled that student grievances will be taken seriously and that any shortcomings affecting the fairness of examinations will be thoroughly examined.

Why Inquiry Committee Set Up

The OSM platform represented CBSE's ambitious attempt to fully digitise the evaluation of Class 12 board examination answer sheets in 2026. The system was expected to improve efficiency, reduce logistical delays, and speed up result processing.

While CBSE has maintained that the procurement process for the OSM platform complied with General Financial Rules and established procedures, allegations, however, have been made over changes to eligibility and technical criteria between tender rounds.

The inquiry is ordered to examine the allegations on the Board’s procurement process. The probe committee will investigate whether the process is justified and adequate safeguards were maintained.

A Message of Accountability

For students and parents, the Centre's actions send a clear message: concerns affecting examination fairness will not be ignored.

By ordering an independent investigation, making administrative changes, and seeking a comprehensive review of the digital evaluation framework, the government appears determined to ensure that technology serves students rather than becoming a source of uncertainty.

Also Read: Centre Moves Swiftly to Resolve CBSE Result Glitches, Student Interests Top Priority: Dharmendra Pradhan