CBSE collects over 16 crore rupees from students for post-result processes

Financial Breakdown

The Central Board of Secondary Education collected 16.47 crore rupees in unaudited funds from students seeking scanned copies, verification, and reevaluation after the 2026 Class 12 board examinations. According to an RTI reply, scanned-copy requests brought in 11.37 crore rupees, while verification and reevaluation combined generated 5.10 crore rupees because the board keeps both under the same account head. The board disclosed 3.57 crore rupees in refunds for candidates whose marks increased, but several students reported receiving no money despite scoring higher.

System Issues and Fees

CBSE conducted its Class 12 exams from February 17 to April 10 and declared results on May 13, showing a pass rate of 85.20 percent compared to 88.39 percent in 2025. Following widespread concern over the on-screen marking system managed by vendor Coempt Edu Teck, the board slashed fees on May 17, reducing scanned copy costs to 100 rupees, verification to 100 rupees, and reevaluation to 25 rupees per question, alongside a full refund promise for successful score changes. However, students faced technical glitches, portal lockouts, and missed deadlines, while school principals described the digital assessment rollout as chaotic and stressful.

Vendor Payments

The board stated its finance division received no sanction order for payments to its on-screen marking vendor, Coempt Edu Teck, and held no information on penalties imposed on the company despite earlier reports of a tender providing for fines. CBSE received 1,27,146 applications for 3,87,399 scanned answer books by May 20, yet ultimately scanned and sent 11,37,560 answer books by May 26, a discrepancy the board did not explain.

Context

Board examinations in India dictate college admissions for millions of students, making timely and accurate evaluation critical for higher education prospects. Technical transition periods to digital or on-screen marking systems frequently face administrative and logistical hurdles when scaled nationwide.