Rahul Gandhi Attacks PM Modi Over CBSE OSM Row, Says Students’ Future Being Ignored

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the controversy surrounding CBSE’s On-Screen Marking system, alleging that the government’s silence shows it is more concerned about political survival than the future of students.

The remarks came amid growing concerns over CBSE’s digital evaluation process, known as OSM, after students and teachers raised questions about answer-sheet scanning, alleged evaluation errors, technical glitches and the awarding of the contract for the system. The issue has now taken a political turn, with Gandhi accusing the Centre of failing to address the anxiety of lakhs of students.

Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister had remained silent on the CBSE controversy even as students complained of blurred answer-sheet scans, missing pages and errors in evaluation. He also questioned why the government had not taken stronger action over the matter, saying students deserved accountability and a clear explanation.

The controversy centres on CBSE’s use of the On-Screen Marking system, under which answer sheets are scanned and evaluated digitally. The system is intended to make evaluation faster and more transparent. However, critics have claimed that its implementation was rushed and that technical and administrative gaps may have affected the fairness of the process.

Gandhi has also questioned the tendering process linked to the OSM system. Earlier, he raised concerns over changes in tender conditions and asked who wanted a particular company to win the contract. His comments have added pressure on the government and the Central Board of Secondary Education to explain how the system was selected and whether all rules were properly followed.

CBSE has rejected Gandhi’s allegations, calling them misleading and not based on facts. The board has maintained that the contract was awarded according to government rules and that the digital marking process was designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in evaluation. It has also defended the integrity of the system, while student complaints continue to draw public attention.

The Ministry of Education has reportedly stepped in as scrutiny over the matter widens. Reports say the Centre has transferred senior CBSE officials and initiated a probe into the procurement of OSM services. A parliamentary committee has also heard concerns related to the system, including claims raised by a Class 12 student who examined alleged flaws in the process.

The controversy has gained significance because CBSE is one of India’s most important school education boards, and its results directly affect college admissions, scholarships and future opportunities for students. For families, any doubt over the fairness of marks can create serious academic and emotional stress.

Opposition leaders have framed the issue as part of a larger crisis in India’s examination and education systems, linking it to recent controversies around entrance tests and paper leaks. They argue that public trust in national-level examinations has been damaged and that students are paying the price for administrative failures.

The government and CBSE, however, have insisted that due procedures were followed and that concerns are being addressed. The issue is now likely to remain under close political and public scrutiny, especially as students seek re-evaluation and clarification over their results.

At the heart of the controversy is a larger question: how can India modernise its examination systems without compromising trust, transparency and accountability? Digital evaluation may offer speed and efficiency, but when lakhs of students’ futures depend on marks, even small errors can have life-changing consequences.

Rahul Gandhi’s attack has pushed the CBSE OSM row further into the national spotlight. Whether the government’s response will satisfy students, parents and opposition leaders remains to be seen, but the controversy has already exposed the urgent need for stronger safeguards in India’s digital examination infrastructure.