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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the central government over the ongoing CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy, alleging that serious irregularities and “fraud” may have occurred during the answer sheet scanning process.
The remarks have intensified the debate surrounding the evaluation system used by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), with students, parents, and opposition leaders demanding greater transparency in the assessment process.
Rahul Gandhi Questions CBSE Evaluation System
In a post on social media, Rahul Gandhi alleged that flaws in the answer sheet digitization and scanning process could have affected the marks of thousands of students.
He claimed that students and parents had raised concerns regarding missing pages, incomplete scans, and discrepancies between original answer sheets and the digital copies used for evaluation.
According to Gandhi, the government must provide a clear explanation regarding the allegations and ensure that no student suffers due to administrative errors.
What Is the CBSE OSM Controversy?
The controversy revolves around CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, under which physical answer sheets are scanned and converted into digital formats before being evaluated by examiners.
The system was introduced to improve efficiency, reduce human handling, and speed up the marking process.
However, some students and parents have alleged that scanned copies of answer sheets did not accurately reflect the original documents. Complaints have included claims of missing pages, unclear scans, and mismatches between evaluated responses and submitted answers.These allegations have sparked concerns about whether technical issues may have impacted final scores.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges ‘Fraud’
Rahul Gandhi described the allegations as extremely serious and called for an independent investigation into the matter. He argued that if answer sheets were incorrectly scanned or evaluated, students could have lost marks unfairly despite performing well in examinations.
The Congress leader accused the government of failing to address student concerns promptly and demanded full transparency regarding the scanning and verification process.
His comments quickly gained attention on social media, where students and parents shared their experiences and concerns about examination evaluations.
Centre and CBSE Defend Process
CBSE officials have maintained that the On-Screen Marking system includes multiple layers of verification and quality checks designed to minimize errors.
According to board officials, scanned answer sheets undergo technical review before being made available to evaluators. The board has stated that strict protocols are followed to ensure the integrity of the evaluation process.
Government representatives have also rejected allegations of widespread irregularities, arguing that isolated complaints should not be used to question the entire examination system.
Students Seek Greater Transparency
Despite official assurances, several student groups and education activists have called for greater transparency regarding how answer sheets are scanned, stored, and evaluated.
Many have demanded access to original answer sheets alongside digital copies to verify that all responses were accurately captured during the scanning process. Education experts say transparency measures could help reduce confusion and rebuild trust among students and parents.
Political Debate Intensifies
The controversy has now become a political issue, with opposition parties accusing the government of ignoring student grievances.
Congress leaders argue that examination systems must prioritize accuracy and accountability because even minor errors can significantly affect students’ academic futures.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have accused the opposition of politicizing educational issues and creating unnecessary anxiety among students.
Importance of Trust in Examination Systems
Experts note that trust and credibility are essential components of any large-scale examination process. With millions of students appearing for CBSE examinations each year, even isolated allegations can generate widespread concern.
They suggest that independent audits, stronger verification mechanisms, and improved communication with students could help address future disputes.
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What Happens Next?
As the controversy continues, students and parents are awaiting further clarification from CBSE regarding the allegations.The board may face increasing pressure to provide additional details about its scanning protocols, verification systems, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
For now, the CBSE OSM row remains at the center of a growing debate over transparency, technology, and accountability in India’s education system.
