Grace marks to Class 12 students facing CBSE OSM glitches may not be possible: Centre tells SC
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The Union government informed the Supreme Court that grace marks cannot be granted for CBSE Class 12 OSM evaluation discrepancies. The Court has directed the Centre to file an affidavit detailing remedial measures for students who faced access issues during the re-evaluation process.
CBSE OSM Controversy: Centre Rules Out Grace Marks
The Union government has formally communicated to the Supreme Court that it cannot extend grace marks to Class 12 students affected by irregularities in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. This development follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the 2026 examination results, where a significant number of students reported discrepancies in their valued answer sheets.
The Scope of Re-evaluation Efforts
During the proceedings led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified that the government had already provided a one-week window for re-evaluation. Data presented indicates that approximately 1.68 lakh students utilized this opportunity to seek a review of their marks. The government maintains that this window served as the primary mechanism for addressing potential errors, rendering the request for blanket grace marks legally and administratively unfeasible.
Challenges in Digital Assessment
At the heart of the dispute is the transition to the OSM system, which, while designed to streamline the grading process, has faced significant technical hurdles. Petitioner Rakesh Binjola, represented by Advocate Laxmikant Matadan Shukla, has highlighted that many students were unable to access the re-evaluation portal entirely. These technical failures have left students in a precarious position, particularly those who have successfully cleared competitive entrance exams but remain hampered by lower-than-expected board marks.
Legal Impasse and Court Directives
The Supreme Court has adopted a cautious approach, demanding transparency from the authorities. The bench has instructed the Union government to file a detailed affidavit outlining the specific remedial measures implemented to address the OSM irregularities. Simultaneously, the petitioners have been directed to file a rejoinder that explicitly catalogs instances where students were systematically denied access to the re-evaluation portal.
Broader Implications for Examination Integrity
This case underscores the growing tension between the rapid digitalization of educational assessment and the need for robust, error-free infrastructure. As the CBSE moves toward more tech-dependent evaluation systems, the reliance on digital portals necessitates a higher standard of reliability. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how the judiciary handles technical glitches in national-level examinations and whether 'grace marks'—often viewed as a compensatory measure—can be mandated by courts in the face of systemic administrative failures.
Future Outlook
As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on the government's upcoming affidavit. If the court finds that the remedial measures were insufficient, it could force a re-evaluation of the current policy framework for handling board exam grievances. For the thousands of students affected, the resolution of this matter is critical, as it directly impacts their academic standing and eligibility for higher education admissions.
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