New Delhi — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in the management of its examination data, deciding to transfer all answer-sheet records and related digital data from the servers of COEMPT Eduteck Pvt. Ltd. to CBSE-controlled servers. The move comes after weeks of debate and concerns surrounding the implementation of the On-Screen Marking (OSM) System used for evaluating board examination answer sheets.
The decision is aimed at strengthening data security, transparency, and administrative control while ensuring that the ongoing evaluation process remains uninterrupted.
What CBSE Has Decided
Under the revised arrangement, all scanned answer-sheet data, student records, and examination-related information will now be stored and managed directly on CBSE’s own digital infrastructure.
However, CBSE has clarified that COEMPT Eduteck Pvt. Ltd. will continue to provide technical services related to the scanning and digitization of answer sheets, which are essential components of the OSM evaluation process.
The board emphasized that the change only affects data storage and management, while operational support services provided by the company will continue.
Background: The OSM Controversy
The decision follows growing concerns over the On-Screen Marking (OSM) System, a digital evaluation platform used by CBSE for checking board examination answer sheets.
The controversy emerged after questions were raised regarding:
- Data security and privacy
- Storage of examination records
- Administrative oversight
- System transparency
- Control over sensitive student information
Education stakeholders, teachers, and some experts expressed concerns about examination data being hosted on external servers, prompting CBSE to review its existing arrangements.
How the OSM System Works
The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is designed to modernize and streamline the evaluation process.
Under the system:
- Physical answer sheets are collected after examinations.
- The sheets are digitally scanned.
- Examiners access scanned copies online.
- Marks are awarded electronically.
- Results are compiled digitally.
CBSE introduced the system to improve efficiency, reduce manual errors, accelerate result processing, and enhance consistency in evaluation.
Why the Data Transfer Matters
By moving examination data to its own servers, CBSE gains direct control over one of the most sensitive components of the examination process.
The move is expected to provide several benefits:
- Greater data protection
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures
- Improved regulatory compliance
- Increased transparency
- Better accountability
- Reduced dependence on third-party data storage
Officials believe the transition will help address concerns raised by various stakeholders while maintaining the advantages of digital evaluation.
COEMPT Eduteck’s Role Continues
Despite the changes, CBSE has not terminated its association with COEMPT Eduteck Pvt. Ltd.
The company will continue to handle:
- Answer-sheet scanning
- Digitization processes
- Technical support services
- Operational assistance for OSM implementation
This approach allows CBSE to retain existing technical expertise while bringing critical data management functions under its direct supervision.
Impact on Students and Schools
CBSE has indicated that the transition will not affect:
- Board examination schedules
- Evaluation timelines
- Result declarations
- Re-evaluation procedures
- Student services
Students, schools, and examiners are expected to experience no disruption as the migration process takes place in the background.
Focus on Trust and Transparency
The latest decision reflects CBSE’s effort to strengthen confidence in India’s largest school examination system.
With millions of students appearing for CBSE examinations every year, safeguarding examination records and ensuring the integrity of the evaluation process remain top priorities for the board.
Education experts say the move demonstrates a growing emphasis on data governance, digital accountability, and institutional control over critical educational infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- CBSE will transfer all answer-sheet data and records to its own servers.
- COEMPT Eduteck Pvt. Ltd. will continue scanning and digitizing answer sheets.
- The decision follows controversy surrounding the On-Screen Marking (OSM) System.
- The move aims to improve data security, transparency, and administrative control.
- No impact is expected on examinations, evaluations, or result announcements.
- CBSE seeks to strengthen public confidence in the digital evaluation process.
Bottom Line
In a major policy shift, CBSE has decided to bring examination data under its direct control by migrating all answer-sheet records from COEMPT Eduteck’s servers to its own infrastructure. While the company will continue to provide technical support for scanning and digitization, the board’s decision is widely seen as a step toward enhancing data security, transparency, and trust in the country’s board examination system amid ongoing concerns surrounding the OSM evaluation platform.
