CBSE Class 12 Board Results 2026: Official Response to Low Marks Controversy

CBSE Clarifies Class 12 Results Amid Criticism

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has provided an official statement following backlash regarding the Class 12 board results for 2026. Numerous students, parents, and educators expressed concerns over the unexpectedly low marks, attributing the decline to the newly implemented On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation system.

The board reported that the overall pass percentage for Class 12 in 2026 fell to 85.2%, marking the lowest results in the past seven years. After the announcement, various complaints emerged on social media, particularly about disappointing scores in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

CBSE clarified that the OSM system was introduced to enhance transparency, consistency, and fairness in the evaluation process. They noted that digital marking minimizes manual errors and ensures that step-wise marking is accurately applied to each answer.

Officials reiterated that the evaluation adheres to strict marking protocols, with students receiving scores based on the official assessment framework. The board emphasized that the new system aims to establish a more precise and standardized evaluation method across all regions.

Many students reported online that despite qualifying for competitive exams such as JEE, their board exam scores were unsatisfactory. In response, the board highlighted that board examinations and competitive assessments utilize different evaluation methods and criteria.

Re-evaluation Process Starts on May 19

CBSE has announced that the re-evaluation process for Class 12 results will commence on May 19, 2026. Students who are unhappy with their scores must first apply for photocopies of their evaluated answer sheets. After reviewing these sheets, they can request verification or re-evaluation of specific answers.

The board has urged candidates to complete all necessary procedures within the official timeline and pay the required fees. CBSE also assured that any discrepancies found during re-evaluation would be corrected accordingly.

Compartment Exam Option for Students

Students who did not pass in one subject may still qualify for compartment examinations, provided they meet the other passing criteria established by the board. Detailed schedules and fee structures for re-evaluation and compartment exams are expected to be published soon on the official CBSE website.

The controversy surrounding the 2026 results has ignited a broader conversation about digital evaluation systems and the pressures students face during board examinations. Nevertheless, CBSE maintains that the OSM system is designed to enhance fairness and minimize inconsistencies in the marking process.