From IIT Rank to 73% in Boards: Blurry Copies, Unchecked Answers Put CBSE Revaluation Under Scrutiny
Students and parents across the country are raising concerns over unchecked answers, blurry scanned copies and discrepancies in evaluated answer sheets, putting CBSE’s digital evaluation process under scrutiny during a crucial admission season.
A late-night phone call from a distressed parent in Uttar Pradesh has now become part of a larger debate around the CBSE Class 12 revaluation process this year.
According to a social media post by advocate Vineet Jindal, the parent claimed that his son, despite securing a rank in IIT entrance examinations, scored only 73% in the CBSE Class 12 board examinations. When the scanned copy of the answer sheet was accessed days later, the family allegedly found that 13 answers had not been evaluated.
The post quickly gained attention online and triggered similar reactions from students and parents who have been sharing complaints related to evaluation and rechecking.
While complaints around board examination marking are not unusual every year, the scale and similarity of concerns this time have drawn wider attention.
Students raise concerns over evaluation
Students across social media platforms and online discussion groups have alleged that parts of their answers were left unchecked or incorrectly marked in scanned copies received through the revaluation process.
Some students have also claimed that portions of answer sheets appeared blurred, making it difficult to verify the marking properly. Others spoke about delays in receiving copies despite making payments through the portal. The concerns have been particularly visible among Science stream students appearing for engineering and medical entrance examinations alongside board admissions.
For many aspirants, even a difference of one or two marks can affect eligibility criteria, admission cut-offs and counselling opportunities. A student from Rajasthan, who did not wish to be named, said he expected marks in the high 80s based on school performance and mock tests but received significantly lower marks in Physics and Mathematics.
“After viewing the scanned copy, I felt some numerical answers had not been checked properly. We have applied for re-evaluation, but counselling dates are getting closer,” the student said.
Another parent from Delhi claimed that sections of a Chemistry answer sheet appeared unclear and difficult to read.
Digital evaluation process faces questions
This year, CBSE implemented large-scale on-screen marking and digital evaluation as part of its examination reforms aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. The move initially received positive feedback because students could access scanned copies of evaluated answer sheets.
However, the same process has now led to increased scrutiny, with students publicly sharing screenshots of answer sheets and pointing to alleged inconsistencies in marking.
Education experts say the transition to digital evaluation at such a large scale requires strong technical support and effective monitoring mechanisms. A senior evaluator associated with the board examination process, speaking on condition of anonymity, said long hours of screen-based checking and strict timelines may have created additional pressure during evaluation.
“When lakhs of answer sheets are being checked digitally, even small technical issues can create anxiety among students and parents. The process needs strong quality checks,” one of the evaluator who did not wish to disclose her name.
CBSE refutes allegations
The issue also gained political attention after Rahul Gandhi raised questions regarding the agency linked to the evaluation process and sought accountability over the reported discrepancies. Responding to queries regarding the controversy, CBSE said the allegations being circulated online were not correct.
“The contract was awarded to M/s Coempt Edu Teck, Hyderabad. However, the allegations are refuted,” the Board said. The contract for the digital evaluation process was awarded to Hyderabad-based Coempt Edu Teck.
CBSE has also revised fees and extended timelines related to accessing scanned answer sheets and applying for re-evaluation following feedback from students and parents.
Admission pressure adds to anxiety
The controversy has surfaced at a time when students are preparing for counselling and admission processes for higher education institutions in India and abroad. For students close to important eligibility thresholds, the outcome of re-evaluation requests could influence admissions, scholarships and academic plans for the coming year.
Education experts believe that while digital reforms are necessary in large examination systems, grievance redressal mechanisms must also remain quick and transparent to maintain confidence among students and parents. As applications for rechecking continue to increase, many students and families are now waiting for quicker resolution of cases where discrepancies may have occurred.
For several students, the issue is no longer limited to marks alone. It is about ensuring that evaluation errors do not affect their academic future.
