Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on CBSE OSM glitches, student grievances

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and CBSE to account for complaints linked to OSM evaluation and the one-week grievance window. The court is set to examine whether affected students should be offered further recourse during the admission season.CBSE OSM row: SC seeks Centre’s response on evaluation lapses, one-week grievance windowThe Supreme Court on Friday sought a detailed response from the Centre and the CBSE on grievances arising from the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, including complaints from students who were unable to avail themselves of the one-week grievance window.The Centre has been asked to file its affidavit by Monday, with the court set to consider the issue in view of ongoing admissions and its potential impact on students’ careers. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeks rules for OSM-based exams and an effective redressal mechanism for students affected by alleged evaluation lapses.1.68 LAKH STUDENTS APPROACHED CBSESolicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that a one-member committee had been constituted to examine complaints concerning the examination process.CBSE later opened a grievance redressal portal for a week, through which around 1.68 lakh students sought re-evaluation of their answer sheets. Mehta said a note had been prepared and sought time until Monday to place the details before the court through an affidavit after consulting the government. PETITIONER QUESTIONS ONE-WEEK GRIEVANCE WINDOWThe petitioner’s counsel argued that the number of affected students was very large and that one week was too short for students to approach the authorities. The counsel said students were still approaching them with complaints, including some who had filed applications but allegedly had not received their answer sheets or re-evaluation results.The petitioner urged the court to consider reopening the grievance window. Mehta, however, said this might not be feasible and explained that the one-week period had been decided keeping in mind other examinations linked to CBSE results.‘WE COULD NOT HAVE POSTPONED IIT AND OTHER EXAMS’ Mehta told the court that the issue could not be considered in isolation as CBSE results are connected to other entrance examinations and admission processes.He pointed out that examinations such as those for IITs and other institutions could not simply be postponed. He said the one-week grievance period was decided after considering these connected issues and referred to earlier proceedings before a High Court on the same question.Mehta said he would place the complete details before the Supreme Court on Monday rather than make a final statement on reopening the window at this stage.COURT SEEKS DETAILS OF STUDENTS WHO NEED INTERVENTIONThe Supreme Court asked the petitioner to file a rejoinder with a table categorising cases that may require intervention.This will include students who applied within the grievance period but received no response, those who did not receive their answer sheets or re-evaluation results, and those who could not apply due to lack of internet access or other infrastructure-related issues.The bench said these details would help it assess whether further intervention was required.WAS IT RE-EVALUATION OR OSM GLITCHES?During the hearing, Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned whether the complaints related to re-evaluation or glitches arising from the OSM system.The petitioners have alleged that problems in the digital evaluation process may have affected students’ marks, including concerns relating to scanned answer sheets and evaluation. Chief Justice Surya Kant also pointed out that the Solicitor General had earlier acknowledged the possibility of lapses or oversights in the process.Mehta reiterated that a one-member committee had been constituted and that the grievance window was subsequently opened for students.Furthermore, the petitioner’s counsel also told the bench that some students had cleared entrance examinations but failed to meet minimum marks requirements based on their CBSE results.The counsel said the issue remained unresolved and could affect a large number of students, stressing that the consequences extended beyond CBSE results to admissions and higher-education opportunities.Justice V Mohana observed that the matter concerned the careers of students for the current academic year.CENTRE TO FILE AFFIDAVIT BY MONDAYThe Centre will file its detailed affidavit by Monday, while the petitioner will submit a rejoinder with category-wise details of cases requiring intervention.The Supreme Court will then consider whether the existing grievance mechanism is sufficient or whether further relief is required for students affected by OSM-related lapses.The court will examine the Centre’s response on the one-week grievance window, the re-evaluation of 1.68 lakh students’ answer sheets and complaints from students who could not obtain redressal. The next hearing could determine whether CBSE needs to provide any further remedy, particularly to students whose marks may affect admissions this academic year.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 15:08 IST