Amid OSM Controversy, CBSE Retains Coempt Eduteck but Shifts Data Control

Amid ongoing scrutiny over the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, Hyderabad-based Coempt Eduteck is set to continue its role in the Class 12 re-evaluation process, sources said.

The company will remain responsible for scanning answer sheets submitted for re-evaluation, while the OSM platform will continue to be used for digital assessment. At the same time, CBSE has tightened control over the process by shifting all student records and answer-sheet data from the vendor’s servers to its own infrastructure. The move is aimed at enhancing data security and ensuring direct oversight of sensitive examination information amid concerns raised over the evaluation system.

Sources indicated that the board has also strengthened cybersecurity measures to safeguard the re-evaluation portal from potential attacks. While there have reportedly been attempts to target the system, officials said no breach or unauthorised access has been detected.

The controversy surrounding Coempt Eduteck emerged after students and parents raised concerns over the implementation of the OSM system in the Class 12 board examinations. Complaints circulating online included allegations of missing answer-sheet pages, unchecked responses, poor-quality scans and discrepancies between handwritten scripts and their digital versions.

Questions have also been raised about the tender process through which Coempt Eduteck secured the contract. Critics have alleged that certain eligibility conditions were altered before the contract was awarded, claims that have fuelled demands for greater transparency in the procurement process.

Public attention has further intensified because of the company’s past identity as Globarena Technologies and its alleged association with examination-related controversies in other states. These developments have prompted calls from students and education activists for an independent review of the digital evaluation system.

CBSE, however, has rejected allegations of favouritism or procedural irregularities. The board has maintained that the tender was awarded in accordance with government procurement norms and that Coempt Eduteck emerged as the successful bidder after meeting all technical and financial requirements during the evaluation process. It has also asserted that the re-evaluation mechanism remains secure and is functioning under enhanced monitoring.