CBSE Implements On-Screen Marking for Class XII, Retains Manual System for Class X
In a significant update ahead of the upcoming board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular detailing changes to the evaluation process. According to the announcement, the assessment system for Class XII will now be based on the on-screen marking (OSM) method, while Class X evaluation will continue to follow the traditional manual system.
The circular emphasizes that this new approach is designed to make the evaluation process faster and more error-free. However, the implementation has sparked concerns among several school principals, who point out that the preparation time is extremely limited.
Exam Schedule and Infrastructure Requirements
The CBSE Class X and Class XII board exams are set to commence on February 17. Class X examinations will conclude on March 11, whereas Class XII exams are scheduled to end on April 10. In preparation for the on-screen marking system, affiliated schools have already received specific guidelines.
Schools are required to ensure readiness by setting up a computer lab equipped with the latest internet browsers and readers. Additionally, they must guarantee proper internet connectivity and an uninterrupted power supply to facilitate the smooth operation of the OSM system.
Mixed Reactions from School Principals
Principals across the country have expressed varied opinions regarding the shift in the evaluation system at the higher secondary level. Some educators believe that the new system will offer significant advantages over the manual method.
Vijaylaxmi Kumar, principal of G D Goenka Public School in Dakshineswar, shared an optimistic perspective. "We are working with an ever-evolving and dynamic Board, and we have to upgrade ourselves with time. If a school has the required infrastructure and the team is ready and willing to accept new changes, it can adapt accordingly. My school has proper infrastructure. It's a matter of training, and we are taking it in a very positive spirit," she stated.
Another principal, Arun Dasgupta of Bhavan's GKV School, highlighted the potential benefits of the on-screen marking system. "Introducing this system will save time, money, and manpower. The system is going to do the addition and check whether all the questions are checked or not. So, the number of errors would be minimised and manpower would be saved. However, there will be a challenge because the system is new and it needs to be learned," he added.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the on-screen marking system promises to enhance efficiency by reducing totalling errors and speeding up the evaluation process, the short preparation window remains a point of contention. Principals are concerned about the need for rapid adaptation and training to implement the new technology effectively.
The move reflects CBSE's ongoing efforts to modernize examination processes, but it also underscores the importance of adequate infrastructure and readiness in schools to ensure a seamless transition during the critical board exam period.
