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Digvijaya Singh alleged CBSE initially proposed the use of a “robotic scanner” in its Request for Proposal document for the OSM system, but later replaced it with ordinary scanner.
Congress MP Digvijaya Singh.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding CBSE’s new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, Congress MP and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Education and Women, Digvijaya Singh, has raised fresh concerns over changes made in the board’s procurement process.
In a post on X, Singh alleged that the CBSE had initially proposed the use of a “robotic scanner” in its Request for Proposal (RFP) document for the OSM system, but later replaced it with an ordinary scanner. Questioning the move, he wrote, “Initially for OSM CBSE had decided to use Robotic Scanner in RFP document. But later it was changed to ordinary Scanner. Why? Only Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would know.”
Explaining the technology, Singh said a robotic scanner combines a 3D or optical scanner with an automated robotic arm to capture detailed, hands-free measurements. Such systems are commonly used in manufacturing for quality control, in libraries for bulk digitisation, and in reverse engineering. He further questioned whether the change was made “to oblige a particular vendor.”
Initially for OSM CBSE had decided to use Robotic Scanner in RFP (Request for Proposal) document. But later it was changed to ordinary Scanner. Why?Only @dpradhanbjp would know.Now what is a Robotic Scanner?A robotic scanner combines a 3D or optical scanner with an…— Digvijaya Singh (@digvijaya_28) June 3, 2026
The remarks come in the wake of a major controversy over CBSE’s rollout of its On-Screen Marking system for Class 12 board exams this year—the first time the board implemented a fully digital evaluation process. Under the system, answer sheets were scanned and uploaded to a secure platform, where examiners assessed them online.
However, soon after CBSE declared Class 12 results on May 13, students across several states began flagging discrepancies in their marks. Some alleged that their answer sheets were either partially evaluated or not checked at all. Others complained of blurry scanned copies that made answers difficult to read. There were also claims that pages had been interchanged, leading to students being awarded marks for answers they did not write.
A report by The Indian Express revealed that CBSE had conducted a three-day pilot project in January 2026 across five schools in Delhi, involving private schools, government institutions, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Principals, examiners, and subject experts were trained on the system and asked to evaluate answer sheets digitally.
During the dry run, participants reportedly flagged several technical and operational issues. They noted that the system required at least a year of testing and refinement before full implementation. They also highlighted the need for well-equipped assessment centres and adequately trained examiners.
Amid mounting criticism, the central government has removed CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Board Secretary Himanshu Gupta from their posts and ordered a probe into the matter.
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