CBSE 12th Result 2026: Errors Found in 13,000 Answer Sheets, Manual Review Conducted, Says Education Secretary
The controversy surrounding the CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 has intensified after School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar confirmed that errors were identified in nearly 13,000 answer sheets during the evaluation process. These copies were later sent for manual review after discrepancies were detected in the digital checking system.
According to officials, around 98 lakh answer sheets were evaluated this year under the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). However, some answer sheets could not be properly processed through the digital system and required additional scrutiny.
13,000 Answer Sheets Sent for Manual Checking
Speaking on the issue, Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar stated that:
“Out of nearly 98 lakh answer sheets assessed, around 13,000 required correction and further review after discrepancies were identified during evaluation.”
Officials clarified that these answer sheets were manually reviewed later to ensure fairness in marking and avoid any injustice to students.
The statement comes at a time when students and parents across the country have raised concerns regarding unexpectedly low marks, unchecked answers, and discrepancies in the CBSE Class 12 Result 2026.
CBSE Defends On-Screen Marking System
CBSE has defended the OSM-based evaluation system, saying it was introduced to improve:
- Transparency in evaluation
- Step-wise marking
- Consistency in checking
- Faster processing of answer sheets
According to the board, the digital evaluation process is not entirely new. Officials said the system was initially introduced in 2014 but could not be implemented widely due to limited technological infrastructure at that time.
Now, with improved digital support, the system has been reintroduced on a larger scale.
Sanjay Kumar also mentioned that several reputed educational bodies already use similar evaluation methods, including:
- ICAI
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Cambridge Boards
He described OSM as a “global standard” aimed at reducing delays and improving uniformity in marking.
Students Raise Concerns Over Low Scores
Soon after the CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 was declared, many students took to social media claiming:
- Some answers were left unchecked
- Marks were unusually low
- Internal assessment mismatches occurred
- Students qualifying JEE failed in board subjects
The issue gained more attention after the overall Class 12 pass percentage dropped from 88% last year to 85% this year.
Many parents and students fear that even small evaluation mistakes could impact:
- College admissions
- Scholarship opportunities
- Entrance counselling
- Future career plans
CBSE Revises Re-evaluation Process
Amid growing criticism, CBSE has also revised the post-result review system to make it easier and more affordable for students.
New Rechecking & Revaluation Charges
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scanned Copy of Answer Sheet | Rs. 100 |
| Verification / Re-evaluation | Rs. 25 per question |
Earlier, students had complained that the re-evaluation process was expensive and difficult to access.
Re-evaluation Process Starts From May 19
CBSE has announced that students can apply for:
- Scanned copies of evaluated answer sheets
- Verification of marks
- Re-evaluation of specific answers
The application process for obtaining scanned copies will begin from May 19, 2026.
Students will first be allowed to access their answer sheet copies before applying for further review.
CBSE Says Safeguards Are in Place
Defending the evaluation mechanism, officials said the board has established multiple safeguards to handle genuine grievances.
CBSE also clarified earlier that:
- AI was not used in checking answer sheets
- Every answer was checked by trained evaluators
- Around 77,000 teachers participated in evaluation work
Officials admitted there were some initial technical glitches during the rollout of the OSM system but claimed those issues were later resolved.
Important Points
- Around 98 lakh answer sheets were checked this year.
- 13,000 copies required correction and manual review.
- OSM system was used for digital evaluation.
- CBSE says AI was not involved in marking.
- Re-evaluation process begins from May 19.
- Students can apply for answer sheet copies online.
