CBSE – Board Clarifies Payment Options for Answer Sheet Review Requests
CBSE – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a clarification regarding the payment process for students seeking verification and re-evaluation of their answer sheets. The board stated on Wednesday that candidates are not required to maintain accounts with State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, or Indian Bank to complete their applications. The clarification was released after concerns emerged among students who believed that payments could only be made through these specific banks.
Clarification Issued After Student Concerns
The issue gained attention when several students reported difficulties while using the Verification and Re-evaluation portal. According to these concerns, the payment interface appeared to direct users only toward gateways associated with four public sector banks. This led to confusion among applicants and parents, many of whom feared that students without accounts in those institutions would be unable to submit their requests.
Responding to the reports, CBSE explained that while the payment gateways are operated by SBI, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank, applicants are not restricted to holding accounts in those banks. The board emphasized that the payment system has been designed to accept transactions through various commonly used digital methods.
Multiple Online Payment Methods Available
In its official communication shared on social media platform X, the board stated that students can complete payments through several online options. These include UPI services, internet banking, credit cards, and debit cards. CBSE clarified that the choice of payment mode is not linked to the applicant’s banking institution.
The board said the available gateways are intended to process payments securely and efficiently, but they do not require users to be customers of the banks operating those gateways. Officials urged students to carefully follow the instructions provided on the portal and rely only on official updates released by CBSE.
Thousands Successfully Completed Applications
CBSE also sought to reassure students by sharing figures related to the application process. According to the board, the system was functioning normally and a large number of candidates had already completed their submissions without facing difficulties.
The board reported that by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, nearly 40,000 students had successfully used the facility and finalized their applications for verification or re-evaluation. The update was presented as evidence that the portal remained operational and capable of handling a significant volume of requests.
Political Criticism Adds to Debate
The clarification came shortly after criticism from Delhi’s Leader of Opposition, Atishi. In a post on X, she alleged that the payment process allowed transactions only through accounts held with SBI, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, or Indian Bank.
Questioning the management of the re-evaluation process, she criticized the Centre and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to her statement, students and parents without accounts in the specified banks could face difficulties in applying for re-evaluation. Her remarks added to the ongoing discussion surrounding the functioning of the portal.
Concerns Over Evaluation and Technical Issues
The latest controversy has surfaced against the backdrop of wider concerns raised by some students regarding the assessment of CBSE Class 12 answer sheets. Alongside these concerns, complaints about technical issues on the online portal have also been reported in recent days.
By issuing its clarification, CBSE has attempted to address confusion surrounding the payment process and reassure students that the application facility remains accessible through multiple digital payment options. The board has advised candidates to depend on official announcements for accurate information and updates related to verification and re-evaluation procedures.