A growing wave of anger and anxiety is spreading among Central Board of Secondary Education Class 12 students after the declaration of the 2026 board examination results, with thousands alleging that the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has caused unusually low scores and unfair evaluation.
Students from across India have now collectively written to the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister's Office, demanding an urgent review of the digital evaluation process, fee waivers for rechecking, and immediate intervention to protect students' academic futures.
"Marks Don't Match Our Performance"
According to the students' appeal, many candidates who consistently scored well in school assessments, unit tests, and pre-board examinations were shocked to receive marks far below expectations in the final board results.
The letter claims the issue is not isolated.
Students say social media platforms, student forums, and peer discussions are flooded with similar complaints from candidates across multiple states and streams.
Many believe the new digital checking system introduced this year may have led to stricter marking and technical inconsistencies during evaluation.
Technical Problems in Digital Evaluation Raised
The students' letter highlights several concerns regarding the On-Screen Marking process, including:
- Blurred or unclear scanned answer sheets
- Portal slowdowns and software glitches during checking
- Reduced consideration for step-wise marking
- Difficulty in awarding partial marks digitally
- Stricter evaluation standards compared to traditional paper checking
Several students allege that even properly attempted answers may not have received adequate marks due to limitations in the digital assessment process.
75% Cutoff Triggering Panic Among Students
One of the biggest concerns revolves around students narrowly missing the 75% benchmark required for admissions, scholarships, entrance eligibility, and placement opportunities.
Students say even a difference of a few marks could impact college admissions and future career prospects.
Families are now rushing toward verification and re-evaluation processes despite the heavy costs involved.
Students Question ₹500+ Rechecking Fees
The letter also criticizes the high fees being charged for answer sheet photocopies, verification, and re-evaluation.
Students argue that since answer sheets are already digitized under the OSM system, providing copies and reassessment should not involve such high charges.
Many students are demanding:
- Free digital access to answer sheets
- Reduced re-evaluation fees
- Faster grievance resolution
- Extended deadlines for reassessment applications
Mental Stress and Emotional Impact Growing
The issue has also raised concerns over student mental health.
The letter mentions growing emotional distress among students and families, with many reportedly facing anxiety, depression, and extreme pressure after unexpected results.
Students urged authorities to prioritize mental well-being over "procedural rigidity" and establish dedicated helplines for affected candidates.
Students Demand Immediate Government Action
In their collective appeal, students have requested:
- A transparent audit of the On-Screen Marking system
- Review of evaluation standards and technical issues
- Moderation where discrepancies are found
- Better training for evaluators
- Safeguards to ensure handwriting or scanning quality does not affect marks
- Immediate public clarification from authorities
The students stated that while they respect the scale and complexity of conducting board exams for millions, any new system affecting an entire batch must be thoroughly reviewed if widespread concerns emerge.
As discussions continue online, the controversy surrounding the 2026 Central Board of Secondary Education results is quickly turning into one of the biggest student concerns of the academic year.
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