The Central Board of Secondary Education is set to introduce a major reform in how Class 12 board exam answer sheets are evaluated, beginning with the 2026 examination cycle. Under the new system, Class 12 responses will be assessed through a digital, on-screen process, while the evaluation method for Class 10 will continue in its existing offline format.

The initiative is aimed at improving accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the marking process. By shifting to a digital evaluation platform, the Board hopes to reduce human errors, speed up result declaration, and simplify coordination during assessment.

This change will affect lakhs of students studying under the CBSE curriculum in India as well as in more than two dozen other countries. Each year, the Board conducts examinations for approximately 46 lakh students across both classes.

The digital marking system is expected to automate several tasks, including calculation of totals, thereby reducing manual workload and the chances of mistakes. It will also enable a larger number of teachers to participate in evaluation, as educators will be able to check answer scripts remotely from their own institutions without having to travel or disrupt regular teaching schedules.

In addition to improving efficiency, the move is likely to cut costs associated with transporting physical answer books and aligns with environmentally responsible practices. The Board has also indicated that the new process may eliminate the need for post-result mark verification, further reducing administrative burden.

To ensure smooth implementation, CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to prepare the required technical infrastructure. This includes properly equipped computer labs, systems running updated versions of Windows, adequate RAM, stable high-speed internet connectivity, necessary software, and uninterrupted power supply.

Teachers will be granted access to the digital evaluation platform using their existing identification credentials so they can familiarise themselves with the system. The Board plans to support schools through mock trials, training programmes, guidance videos, and a dedicated helpdesk for technical issues.

Step-by-step guidelines will be shared with schools well in advance to ensure timely compliance. By involving educators from all CBSE-affiliated schools, both within the country and overseas, the Board expects the evaluation process to become more inclusive and streamlined.

This transition represents a significant milestone in CBSE’s broader efforts to modernise its examination and assessment framework.