The Supreme Court will hear a case on August 21, 2026 , concerning the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) online marking (OSM) system. The court will examine student concerns about marks affecting college admissions.
Case Background
A petition filed with the Supreme Court questions the rules governing exams evaluated using the CBSE OSM system. This system allows teachers to grade scanned answer sheets digitally. Students have reported that their marks, evaluated through OSM, have hindered their admission to higher education courses.
Student Grievances
The petitioner informed the court that some students passed their CBSE exams but faced admission issues. They were unable to secure spots in other courses. This was due to their CBSE marks falling below minimum cutoffs. In some instances, classes had already commenced.
Court's Intervention
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Justices Joymala Bagchi and V Mohana, directed the CBSE counsel. The court asked for measures to protect affected students' interests. The hearing was rescheduled from its original date because the Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, was unavailable.
The court previously expressed concern on July 15 . This was regarding student frustration with the CBSE OSM system's evaluations.
Proposed Reforms
The Solicitor General had previously informed the court that most individual mark sheet issues had been resolved. He stated the government was addressing larger concerns seriously. A one-member commission, headed by S Radha Chauhan, is reviewing the evaluation process. It will suggest necessary changes.
The court requested details on remedial steps. It also sought clear regulations for the CBSE OSM system. A high-powered committee is to supervise reform efforts. The petition also asks for relaxation of minimum qualifying marks. This includes the 75 percent rule for class 12. It specifically targets students with provisional admission or those who cleared entrance exams under the OSM system.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court hearing on August 21, 2026 , will determine the future of the CBSE OSM evaluation process. Students and stakeholders await clarity on regulations and potential mark relaxations.
