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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the introduction of On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 board examinations starting in 2026. This marks a significant step toward modernising India’s examination and evaluation framework, aligning assessment processes with the country’s rapidly evolving digital education ecosystem.

A shift from manual to digital evaluation

Under the new system, students’ answer sheets will be scanned and evaluated digitally by examiners through secure online platforms. This replaces the traditional process of physically transporting answer scripts to evaluation centres and manually checking them. The transition is expected to deliver several key benefits, including:

• Improved accuracy in marking
• Reduced chances of manual errors such as incorrect totalling
• Faster evaluation and result processing
• Greater transparency and accountability

By digitising the evaluation workflow, CBSE aims to make the marking process more efficient and reliable at scale.

Enhancing efficiency across India’s largest examination system

CBSE conducts board examinations for millions of students every year, making it one of the largest school examination systems in the world. Managing and evaluating such a vast volume of answer sheets involves significant logistical coordination.

On-screen marking helps address these challenges by:

• Eliminating the need for physical transportation of answer sheets
• Enabling examiners to evaluate scripts digitally from designated locations
• Providing secure access and traceability within the evaluation process
• Supporting faster compilation and processing of results

This digital approach not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens consistency and quality control in marking.

Reflecting growing digital readiness among schools and educators

The move toward digital evaluation reflects the increasing adoption of technology across India’s school ecosystem. Over the past several years, many CBSE-affiliated schools have integrated digital classroom platforms, enabling teachers to conduct lessons, assessments, and performance tracking through structured digital environments.

Educators familiar with digital tools are expected to adapt more easily to on-screen evaluation workflows, making the transition smoother and more efficient.

Supporting the future of technology-enabled education

CBSE’s adoption of on-screen marking highlights the broader shift toward technology-enabled teaching and assessment. As schools continue to invest in digital infrastructure, integrated classroom and assessment platforms are playing an important role in preparing institutions for evolving academic requirements.

Recognizing the need to reduce the burden on teachers and make the assessment process fairer, faster, and more robust, innovative solutions have been developed to address these challenges. These technology-enabled environments contribute to building familiarity with digital workflows, supporting smoother adoption of initiatives like on-screen marking.

Extramarks: Pioneering Digital Assessment Solutions

With a vision to transform the assessment landscape in Indian schools, Extramarks has developed comprehensive solutions that address the critical challenges faced by educators and institutions. Understanding that assessment is not just about evaluation but about improving learning outcomes, Extramarks has created a robust ecosystem that makes the assessment process fairer, faster, and more efficient while significantly reducing the burden on teachers.

Subjective Answer Evaluation: AI-Powered Assessment

Extramarks’ subjective answer evaluation system represents a breakthrough in educational assessment technology. This intelligent system goes beyond simple keyword matching to understand the depth and quality of student responses. The platform evaluates subjective answers based on multiple parameters including conceptual understanding, answer structure, relevance to the question, and completeness of the response.

The evaluation process is designed to mirror the way experienced teachers assess answers, but with greater consistency and speed. Teachers can set marking schemes with flexible rubrics, and the system evaluates student responses accordingly. This not only ensures fairness in marking but also provides detailed feedback to students, helping them understand where they scored well and where improvement is needed. The system significantly reduces the time teachers spend on evaluation, allowing them to focus more on teaching and student interaction.

Bloom’s Taxonomy-Based Reporting: Understanding Learning Depth

One of the most advanced features of Extramarks’ assessment solution is its reporting system based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework that classifies learning objectives into six levels: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create. Each level represents a different depth of cognitive engagement, from basic recall of facts to higher-order thinking skills.

Extramarks’ platform tags each question and assessment item according to these Bloom’s levels. When students complete assessments, the system generates comprehensive reports that show not just overall scores, but performance across different cognitive levels. This allows teachers and parents to understand whether a student is strong in factual recall but struggles with application, or excels in analysis but needs support in basic concept understanding.

These insights are invaluable for personalized learning. Teachers can identify specific areas where individual students or entire classes need additional support. For instance, if reports show that students consistently perform well on “Remember” and “Understand” level questions but struggle with “Apply” and “Analyze” questions, teachers can adjust their teaching strategies to include more practical applications and problem-solving activities.

Comprehensive Digital Assessment Ecosystem

Extramarks Smart Class Plus, implemented across numerous CBSE-affiliated schools, provides an integrated platform for digital teaching, assessment, and performance tracking. The solution includes features such as automated question paper generation, online test administration, instant grading for objective questions, intelligent evaluation for subjective responses, and detailed analytics dashboards.

This comprehensive approach has helped schools transition smoothly toward digital assessment practices. Teachers who have been using these tools are already familiar with digital evaluation workflows, making them better prepared for large-scale initiatives like CBSE’s on-screen marking system. The platform’s emphasis on fairness, speed, and actionable insights aligns perfectly with the goals of modern educational assessment.

A progressive step toward a more transparent and scalable evaluation system

The introduction of on-screen marking represents a forward-looking initiative by CBSE to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and scalability of the board examination process. As digital transformation continues to reshape India’s education landscape, technology-driven evaluation systems will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate, efficient, and future-ready assessment frameworks for millions of students across the country.

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In a historic ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu didn’t just launch another government initiative—she ignited a nationwide movement. The #SkillTheNation Challenge represents India’s ambitious commitment to ensure that Artificial Intelligence literacy becomes as fundamental as reading and writing in the 21st century.

What makes this initiative remarkable isn’t just its scale—it’s the vision behind it. Rather than treating AI as a niche technical skill reserved for engineers and data scientists, the SOAR (India’s National AI Awareness Program) programme democratizes AI education, making it accessible to school students, teachers, working professionals, and even Members of Parliament.

A National Call to Action

President Murmu personally conferred AI course certificates on learners ranging from Members of Parliament to students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. This visual representation—policymakers and school children standing together as fellow learners—powerfully communicated that AI literacy transcends age, position, and background.

The SOAR Revolution: 1.59 Lakh Learners and Counting

Launched in July 2025 as part of the 10-year celebration of the Skill India Mission, SOAR has already created impressive momentum. Within just six months, over 1.59 lakh learners have enrolled in AI courses, with thousands successfully completing certifications.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What’s truly transformative is SOAR’s approach to AI education. The programme focuses on three core pillars:

• Awareness before specialization – Building foundational understanding rather than overwhelming learners with technical complexity
• Ethics at the core – Emphasizing responsible AI use alongside technical knowledge
• Universal accessibility – Ensuring rural and underserved communities have equal access to AI education

Leadership by Example: When Ministers Become Students

In a refreshing display of leadership, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, didn’t just launch SOAR—he completed the ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module himself. Following his example, he nominated other prominent leaders to take up the challenge:

• Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati
• Shri Nitin Narang, President, All-India Chess Federation

Most significantly, 15 Members of Parliament have completed the SOAR AI module, demonstrating that India’s highest democratic institution is walking the talk on AI readiness.

Why Teachers Are the Real Game-Changers

While student participation grabs headlines, SOAR’s emphasis on educator readiness may be its most strategic element. The programme recognizes a fundamental truth: sustainable AI literacy doesn’t come from standalone courses—it emerges when teachers integrate AI awareness into everyday learning.

SOAR supports training for teachers across government and private schools to:

• Understand core AI concepts without requiring technical backgrounds
• Adopt responsible and ethical AI practices in educational contexts
• Integrate AI awareness meaningfully into classroom teaching across subjects

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this approach ensures AI doesn’t remain a separate “subject” but becomes woven into India’s educational fabric.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Rural India in Focus

Access is meaningless without equity. SOAR courses are delivered through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), specifically designed to ensure wide reach across regions and institutions, including rural and underserved communities.

During the Rashtrapati Bhavan event, President Murmu also virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre at Rairangpur in northern Odisha, strengthening access to skill-oriented education in regions that have historically faced educational disadvantages. This dual focus—digital AI education and physical infrastructure—demonstrates a holistic approach to national skill development.

From Awareness to Confidence: India’s Unique Approach

What distinguishes India’s AI readiness strategy from many global models is its emphasis on building AI confidence before AI expertise. Minister Jayant Chaudhary articulated this vision clearly: India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident.

This philosophy acknowledges a critical reality—as AI transforms jobs, governance, and daily life, the greatest barrier isn’t technical complexity but psychological apprehension. By demystifying AI through accessible micro-credentials and emphasizing ethical understanding, SOAR helps reduce anxiety around AI’s impact on work and society.

Building Resilience Through Education

The #SkillTheNation Challenge positions AI literacy as a shared national responsibility—not just another government programme but a collective endeavor that requires participation from every segment of society.

The special “AI for Beginners” interactive session at Rashtrapati Bhavan, led by a globally renowned AI expert in collaboration with Google, demonstrated the programme’s commitment to world-class content delivery. By combining international expertise with local accessibility, SOAR creates a learning experience that is both globally relevant and contextually appropriate for India.

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In Short: CBSE Major Updates for Classes 9 to 12 (2025-26)

• Once a Year Dual Board Exams for Class 10: Two annual exams (February & April) for more flexibility.
• Class 12 Exams: Remains once a year, with exams starting on February 17, 2026.
• New 9-Point Grading System: More nuanced grading to reduce unhealthy competition.
• Revised Passing Criteria: Skill-based subjects can replace failed core subjects.
• Skill-Based Subjects: Enhanced focus on practical, career-relevant subjects like AI, IT, and Design Thinking.
• Calculators in Accountancy Exams: Allowance for basic calculators to reduce calculation errors.
• New Teaching Methodologies: Project-based, inquiry-driven, and tech-enabled learning.
• Competency-Based Assessment: Focus on critical thinking and practical knowledge over rote learning.
• Inclusion of NEP 2020 Principles: Alignment with holistic, skill-based learning approaches.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant reforms for the academic year 2025-26, which will redefine how students in India learn, study, and are assessed. Aiming to promote holistic education, skill development, and a stress-free learning experience, these updates reflect a paradigm shift from rote learning toward conceptual clarity and real-world application.

With changes covering exam schedules, grading system, subject structures, and teaching methodologies, the reforms cater to students from Classes 9 to 12. This holistic update by CBSE aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to make education more inclusive, practical, and meaningful.

Let’s understand each change in detail:

1. Dual Board Exams for Class 10: A Game-Changer

CBSE is reorganizing its board exams. Rather than taking a single exam every year, Class 10 students will now take two—one in February and one in April. This dual-exam approach is part of a draft policy and aims to offer students a second opportunity to improve their performance within the same academic year.

Main Points:

• Students may take both exams or one, depending upon the level of confidence and preparedness they possess.
• The syllabus for both examinations will be identical, offering equal academic rigor.
• The better score of the two will be considered for the final mark sheet.

This move is expected to reduce academic pressure and allow students to pace their learning. It promotes a more flexible and personalized learning experience while also providing a fair chance for improvement.

2. Class 12 Exams Remain Once a Year

While Class 10 gets a second chance format, Class 12 board examinations will continue to follow the once-a-year pattern, with the 2026 exams scheduled to begin on February 17. The reasoning here is that Class 12 scores play a significant role in college admissions, and keeping the exam once a year maintains consistency for higher education institutions.

3. Introducing a New 9-Point Grading System

One of the most impactful changes is the shift from a five-point to a nine-point grading system. The grades will be awarded based on octiles, meaning each 1/8th of the passed candidates will fall into one of the grades:

• A-1: Top 1/8th of passed students

• A-2: Next 1/8th

• B-1: Next 1/8th

• B-2: Next 1/8th

• C-1: Next 1/8th

• C-2: Next 1/8th

• D-1: Next 1/8th

• D-2: Next 1/8th

• E*: Essential Repeat (Fail)

This change enables a more nuanced understanding of student performance and helps reduce the unhealthy competition centered around minor mark differences.

4. Revised Passing Criteria with Skill Subjects

CBSE has taken a bold step toward promoting inclusivity and skill recognition by updating the passing criteria for Class 10.

What’s New?

• If a student fails in a core academic subject like Mathematics, Science, or Social Science but passes in an optional skill-based subject or an additional language, then the passing marks from the skill subject can replace the failed subject for result calculation.

Example:

• If a student scores below 33% in Mathematics but clears the subject Artificial Intelligence, the score from AI can replace the Mathematics score.

This substitution policy encourages students to explore and take seriously the growing list of skill-based subjects offered by CBSE.

5. Skill-Based Subjects: A Focused Push in Classes 10 and 12

For Class 10:

• Computer Applications

• Information Technology

• Artificial Intelligence

Students must also choose either English or Hindi as a language subject during Classes 9 and 10. This aims to improve their linguistic and communication proficiency.

For Class 12:

• Land Transportation Associate

• Electronics and Hardware

• Physical Activity Trainer

• Design Thinking and Innovation

These subjects are designed to foster practical knowledge and provide students with an early start on future career paths.

6. Calculators Allowed in Class 12 Accountancy Exams

Recognizing the need for precision in financial calculations, CBSE will now allow the use of basic, non-programmable calculators in Class 12 Accountancy board exams.

Conditions:

• Only simple calculators are allowed.

• Scientific or programmable models remain banned.

This small but crucial change is expected to significantly reduce errors and help students focus on concepts rather than arithmetic accuracy.

7. From Rote Learning to Real-World Application

The new CBSE policy pushes schools to evolve from traditional chalk-and-talk methods to more engaging, real-world-oriented teaching strategies. Teachers are encouraged to adopt:

• Project-Based Learning

• Inquiry-Driven Education

• Tech-Enabled Classrooms

• Collaborative Lesson Planning

• Assessments Aligned with Competency-Based Education

CBSE is shifting focus from memory-based evaluation to competency-based assessments. The exams will now test:

• Critical Thinking

• Analytical Ability

• Conceptual Clarity

• Practical Knowledge

Question formats will include:

• Case studies

• Situational judgment

• Application-based MCQs

How to Access the New Syllabus

The detailed syllabi for Classes 9 to 12 are now available on CBSE’s official academic website: cbseacademic.nic.in

Available Information:

• Subject-wise syllabus

• Project guidelines

• Practical exam details

• Assessment rubrics

Final Thoughts: What These Reforms Mean

The CBSE 2025-26 reforms aim to reshape the Indian education landscape by making it more student-friendly, skill-based, and future-oriented. From multiple chances to perform better in board exams to a grading system that reflects actual competence, the reforms take a giant leap forward in aligning school education with global standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexible exam schedules to reduce pressure
• Skill subjects valued equally with core academics
• Real-world projects and tech-integrated learning
• Assessments that test application, not memory
• Visual grading system that rewards performance bands, not just marks

These reforms not only help in academic growth but also prepare students for career and life challenges ahead.

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In India, board exams aren’t just about marks — they’re the result of years of school learning. But in recent years, many students have started skipping school and joining coaching centers full-time, especially for JEE and NEET prep. This “dummy school” trend may help with test prep, but it takes away the full learning experience that school offers — like building confidence, discipline, and social skills.

That’s why CBSE is stepping in with a new rule to bring back the importance of attending regular school.

• Effective from Academic Year 2025-26
• Applies to CBSE Class 12 Board Exams

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