The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has removed Hyderabad-based Coempt Edu Teck’s OnMark platform from the Class 12 re-evaluation process over security concerns and shifted all related student and examination data to infrastructure under its direct control. The move comes weeks after the board used the platform to digitally evaluate nearly 10 million Class 12 answer scripts before declaring results on May 13.
Students, parents and educators have since raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in marks and the implementation of the new digital evaluation system, while cybersecurity experts have questioned aspects of platform security and oversight. CBSE maintains that its systems remain secure and that re-evaluation will proceed through its own portal, with scrutiny of the broader controversy continuing.
CBSE Moves Re-Evaluation In-House
CBSE has discontinued the use of Coempt Edu Teck’s OnMark platform for the re-evaluation of Class 12 answer scripts and transferred the process to infrastructure managed directly by the board. Officials said all student and examination-related data linked to re-evaluation has been migrated to CBSE-controlled systems, where subject experts will review answers challenged by students.
The decision follows growing concerns over data security, transparency and the functioning of the board’s new digital evaluation framework. Re-evaluation is expected to begin through CBSE’s own portal in the coming days.
What Is the OnMark Platform?
OnMark is a digital on-screen marking system developed by Hyderabad-based educational technology company Coempt Edu Teck. CBSE used the platform to digitally evaluate nearly 10 million Class 12 answer scripts before announcing results on May 13.
The initiative was intended to modernise examination management, improve efficiency and reduce the logistical challenges associated with handling large volumes of answer books. However, the platform has since become the centre of a wider debate about digital assessment, transparency and accountability in high-stakes examinations.
Student Concerns Spark Wider Debate
Soon after results were announced, students began sharing concerns on social media and educational forums about unexpectedly low marks, perceived inconsistencies in evaluation and differences from previous academic performance.
Many questioned whether the digital assessment process had affected marking standards, while parents and educators called for greater transparency regarding how answer scripts were evaluated. The concerns contributed to a surge in applications for verification and re-evaluation, reflecting uncertainty among a section of candidates.
Although CBSE has not acknowledged any systemic evaluation errors, the volume of complaints has intensified public scrutiny of the new evaluation system and its implementation.
Cybersecurity Issues Raise Fresh Questions
The controversy expanded beyond examination results when concerns emerged about cybersecurity and data protection within the broader digital evaluation ecosystem.
CBSE has stated that vulnerabilities identified in the on-screen marking environment were detected and addressed with the help of cybersecurity specialists and technical experts. The board also reported that its post-result services portal faced multiple cyberattack attempts involving large volumes of malicious traffic targeting verification and re-evaluation services.
According to officials, the attacks were successfully contained and core systems remained operational. However, the incidents heightened concerns about the security of sensitive student information and the resilience of digital infrastructure used in national examinations.
Against this backdrop, CBSE’s decision to move re-evaluation entirely to its own systems is being seen as an effort to strengthen oversight and restore confidence among stakeholders.
Procurement And Transparency Under Scrutiny
As the controversy grew, questions also emerged about the procurement process through which Coempt secured the contract for the digital evaluation system.
Public attention increased after a student-authored blog, based on publicly available tender documents, alleged that changes in tender conditions may have favoured a particular bidder. While these claims remain unproven and no official investigation has established wrongdoing, they have fuelled calls for greater transparency in the awarding of major educational technology contracts.
Separate media reports have also raised questions regarding cybersecurity certifications linked to the platform. Although these reports have attracted significant attention, no final official conclusions have yet been announced.
Questions Around The Company
The spotlight has also turned to Coempt Edu Teck itself following reports about legal proceedings involving the company prior to its engagement with CBSE.
While media reports have referenced ongoing disputes, there is no evidence linking those matters directly to the current controversy. The company has not admitted any wrongdoing and continues to position itself as an experienced provider of examination and assessment technology solutions.
Nevertheless, the developments have increased public interest in the credentials, governance standards and accountability of private firms handling critical educational infrastructure.
Re-Evaluation Process Continues
CBSE has urged students to continue using official channels for verification and re-evaluation of their results. The board has also extended deadlines for post-result services after some students reported difficulties accessing online systems.
Under the revised arrangement, subject experts will review challenged answers through CBSE’s own portal rather than the vendor-operated platform. Any changes resulting from the process will be reflected according to existing rules and procedures.
For thousands of students awaiting clarity on their scores, the outcome of the re-evaluation process will be closely watched.
Bigger Questions For Digital Education
Beyond the immediate controversy, the episode has reignited debate about the growing role of technology in India’s education system. Digital platforms are increasingly used for examination registration, answer-script evaluation, result processing and admissions.
Supporters argue that such systems improve efficiency and scalability, while critics stress the need for rigorous testing, independent security audits and stronger accountability before they are deployed in high-stakes environments affecting millions of students.
Experts believe the controversy could prompt a broader review of procurement practices, cybersecurity requirements and governance standards for educational technology platforms used by public institutions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The controversy surrounding CBSE’s use of the OnMark platform highlights the need to balance technological innovation with transparency, accountability and public trust. While digital systems can improve efficiency, they must be supported by robust safeguards, independent oversight and clear communication with students and parents.
At a time when examination outcomes significantly influence educational and career opportunities, institutions have a responsibility to ensure that assessment processes are fair, secure and transparent. Rather than focusing solely on assigning blame, the priority should be understanding what went wrong, addressing legitimate concerns and strengthening systems for the future. As India’s education system becomes increasingly digital, how can examination boards, technology companies and policymakers work together to ensure innovation enhances trust rather than undermining it?
CBSE drops Coempt's portal for re-evaluation over ‘security concerns’ to use its own@MeSanjayy ✍🏻 https://t.co/V78LMFRnbg
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) June 6, 2026
