A fresh controversy has emerged after the declaration of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 results 2026, as several students who performed well in JEE Main 2026 claimed that unexpectedly low board marks could now affect their eligibility for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
According to Media channels like NDTV’s Article, many students who secured high percentiles in JEE Main scored below the mandatory 75% aggregate marks required for IIT admissions through JEE Advanced 2026 counselling. The issue has sparked widespread debate over the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) digital evaluation system used by CBSE this year.
Students and educators have questioned the accuracy and consistency of the digital assessment process, especially after several candidates reported a major mismatch between their competitive exam performance and board exam scores. Some students claimed they scored above the 90 percentile in JEE Main but received much lower marks than expected in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the board exams.
What is On-Screen Marking
The CBSE had introduced the OSM system for full-scale digital evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets in 2026. Under this process, scanned copies of answer scripts were checked online by evaluators instead of traditional physical assessment. The board said the system was implemented to improve efficiency, reduce human error, and speed up result processing.
However, following the result declaration, students and parents from different parts of the country raised concerns regarding unchecked answers, missed diagrams, and strict marking patterns. Several social media posts also highlighted cases where students with strong JEE scores allegedly failed to meet the IIT eligibility criteria due to lower board percentages.
In response to the criticism, CBSE issued a clarification defending the OSM evaluation process. The board stated that the system ensures transparency and accuracy while also providing students with options for verification of marks, photocopies of answer sheets, and re-evaluation requests.
Follow TJP Whatsapp ChannelThe controversy has intensified ahead of the JEE Advanced 2026 examination scheduled for May 17, as thousands of aspirants remain anxious about their eligibility for IIT admissions. Education experts have urged CBSE to review disputed cases quickly to avoid affecting students’ academic futures.
