Education – Parliamentary Panel Seeks Answers Over CBSE Online Evaluation Process
Education – Fresh questions have emerged over the Central Board of Secondary Education’s online evaluation system after a student whistleblower presented detailed findings before a parliamentary committee examining concerns related to the Class XII examination assessment process. The development came shortly before the transfer of two senior CBSE officials and has intensified scrutiny of the board’s on-screen marking framework.
Parliamentary Committee Reviews Allegations
The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports convened a meeting on Tuesday to review issues linked to the CBSE’s online marking system. The panel, chaired by Congress MP Digvijay Singh, invited senior representatives from both the education ministry and the examination board to discuss challenges reported by students and teachers regarding digital evaluation.
During the proceedings, committee members sought clarification on allegations surrounding the selection of vendors responsible for managing the online marking process. According to sources, board officials informed the panel that detailed written responses would be submitted later, as several questions required further documentation and explanation.
Student Whistleblower Presents Findings
Sarthak Sidhant, a student from Jharkhand who appeared for the Class XII examinations, addressed the committee and shared concerns regarding the tendering procedure used to appoint service providers for the online assessment system. He reportedly submitted a seven-page document outlining observations and raising questions related to the process.
The presentation was delivered in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the CBSE, including Chairman Rahul Singh and School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, who have since been reassigned. Sources indicated that committee members closely examined the student’s submissions and requested explanations from board representatives on the issues highlighted.
Questions Raised Over Vendor Selection
One of the major concerns discussed during the meeting involved the process followed before awarding contracts linked to online evaluation. Committee members reportedly questioned whether adequate verification procedures were conducted before selecting vendors and sought reasons behind certain changes made to eligibility conditions during the tender process.
While officials addressed some operational questions, specific queries regarding contract allocation and procedural changes remained unanswered during the session. The board indicated that it would provide comprehensive written replies after reviewing the matters raised by the committee.
Concerns Over System Readiness
The parliamentary panel also examined whether the online marking system was introduced with sufficient preparation. Members reportedly discussed concerns about the absence of extensive trial runs, system testing, and training programmes for teachers involved in digital evaluation.
Several participants emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability if any shortcomings are identified. Committee members also called for a review of responsibilities and appropriate action in cases where procedural lapses may have affected the implementation of the system.
CBSE Updates Panel on Technical Issues
Responding to concerns about technical disruptions, CBSE officials informed the committee that server-related issues reported earlier had been resolved and that the evaluation infrastructure was functioning normally. The board assured members that students should not face difficulties while accessing examination-related services.
Officials further stated that students seeking re-evaluation or verification of their marks could submit applications until June 6. According to sources, the board maintained that the available timeframe was adequate and therefore did not consider an extension necessary.
Suggestions for Student Relief Measures
During the discussion, some committee members reportedly proposed additional measures to support affected students. Among the suggestions raised were the possibility of granting grace marks in deserving cases and expediting the review process for examination results.
The committee is expected to continue monitoring developments related to the online evaluation system as authorities prepare formal responses to the questions raised during the meeting. The outcome of these deliberations could influence future decisions concerning digital assessment practices in school examinations.