The board has reintroduced digital evaluation for Class 12 answer sheets. The move aims to cut result time and reduce totalling errors. It also aligns assessment with digital workflows used globally. Schools must adapt quickly. Teachers must learn new tools. Students should expect faster result processing.
What is On-Screen Marking (OSM)?
OSM means evaluators mark scanned answer scripts on computers. Evaluators read answers on screen and enter marks directly into software. The system removes manual totalling and physical paper transfer. It keeps a digital audit trail for each script.
Scope and Start Date
OSM applies to Class 12 board papers from the announced exam cycle. Class 10 continues with traditional paper evaluation for now. The rollout covers most theory papers first, with plans to expand later as systems stabilise.
Why the Change
First, it speeds up evaluation and result declaration. Second, it reduces arithmetic and data-entry mistakes. Third, it improves transparency through logs and timestamps. Fourth, it lowers transportation risk and cost of moving answer books. Finally, it allows more flexible evaluator deployment across locations.
How the System Works
Exam papers arrive at scanning centres. Staff scan and upload high-resolution images to the OSM platform. Registered evaluators log in with secure credentials. They view one script at a time, assign marks, and submit. The platform auto-totals scores and stores results in a central database. Administrators can audit entries and track time spent per script.
Benefits — Practical View
Students receive results sooner. Teachers avoid physical handling of thousands of answer sheets. Schools save on logistics and courier risks. The system builds a retrievable digital record for rechecks and moderation. Overall, quality and consistency of marking improve.
Challenges and How to Reduce Them
Many schools face unreliable internet and limited computers. Some teachers lack experience with digital marking. Scanning errors or poor image quality can slow evaluation. To reduce harm, schools must upgrade internet and power backup. They must run training sessions and pilot marking before full rollout. Scanning centres must use quality scanners and standardised file naming.
Impact on Teachers
Teachers will mark on screens and use the platform’s interface. They must adapt handwriting recognition of their own—reading handwriting on screen may feel different. Training should focus on navigation, input validation, and time management. Familiarity with the platform reduces stress and speeds evaluation.
Impact on Students and Parents
Students get faster results and fewer totalling mistakes. Parents gain quicker closure. However, digital marking does not change scrutiny of answers. Students should still write clear, well-structured answers. Legibility remains critical.
Implementation Checklist for Schools
- Ensure computers with stable OS and sufficient RAM.
- Secure high-speed internet and a UPS for power backup.
- Designate a scanning room with trained staff.
- Conduct mock uploads and sample marking sessions.
- Train all evaluators on the platform interface and rules.
- Set quality standards for scanned images and filenames.
- Prepare an escalation path for technical failures during marking.
Data Security and Privacy
The platform must use encrypted connections and role-based access. Schools must restrict access to evaluation credentials. They should preserve digital logs for audits and keep backup copies in secure storage.
Timeline for Typical Evaluation Cycle
Scanning and upload: 2–4 days after exams. Evaluator allocation and marking: 7–14 days depending on paper volume. Consolidation and result processing: 2–5 days. Overall, the cycle shortens compared to manual processes but depends on infrastructure readiness.
Will students get rechecks? Yes, scripts remain retrievable for revaluation.
Will handwriting cause issues? Clear handwriting helps; evaluators adapt with training.
Does OSM affect internal assessments? No, OSM addresses board answer scripts only.
Conclusion
The return to On-Screen Marking marks a shift toward faster, cleaner, and more transparent evaluation. The change brings clear benefits but demands readiness. Schools must act now to upgrade infrastructure and train staff. Teachers must embrace the platform and practice marking on screen. Students should focus on clarity in answers. With proper preparation, OSM can make the board exam cycle fairer and quicker for everyone involved.
 for Class 12 board exams to speed evaluation, reduce errors, and improve transparency. This article explains what OSM is, how it works, who it affects, and how schools and teachers must prepare.){kind=link}