CBSE Retains Coempt for Answer Sheet Scanning, Migrates Data to Internal Servers Amid Scrutiny

The board has decided to persist with the controversial evaluation firm while taking direct control of digital infrastructure following widespread technical glitches and security concerns.

In a development that has triggered intense debate, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided that Coempt Eduteck will continue to handle the scanning of answer sheets for the upcoming re-evaluation cycles. Despite the firm coming under intense scrutiny due to its association with past exam controversies and recent technical failures, the board’s decision to retain the agency signals a commitment to the existing On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. To mitigate rising concerns, however, the CBSE has completed a major migration of all answer-sheet data and related records from the vendor’s servers to its own internal infrastructure.

A Turbulent Re-evaluation Cycle

The decision comes on the heels of a particularly chaotic re-evaluation window for Class 12 students. The portal saw an influx of approximately 44,000 requests in a single day, a surge that was compounded by persistent technical glitches. Students and parents faced significant frustration as the re-evaluation portal repeatedly missed its revised launch dates, leading to widespread calls for accountability. The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has even escalated the matter to the Ministry of Education and CERT-In, questioning the robustness of the OSM system and the potential for data vulnerabilities.

Past Controversies and Growing Criticism

The choice to continue with Coempt Eduteck has drawn sharp criticism from political corners, with opposition leaders demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. Critics have pointed out that the Hyderabad-based firm was previously linked to irregularities in the 2019 Telangana examination process, a history that has fueled skepticism regarding its current role in national board exams. The persistent errors in the CBSE portal, coupled with this background, have prompted reports that the firm may face penalties for the recent operational mess.

Strengthening Digital Security

By migrating data to its own servers, the board appears to be attempting to insulate its sensitive examination records from the external vulnerabilities inherent in vendor-managed platforms. This move is being viewed as a strategic pivot to enhance security amid ongoing fears of cyber threats. While the scanning process remains in the hands of the contracted agency, the CBSE is now asserting greater direct oversight of the digital footprint left by millions of students across the country.

The move marks a delicate balance for the board: maintaining continuity in a massive, time-sensitive logistical operation while bowing to pressure to modernize its data governance protocols. As the dust settles on this year’s Class 12 re-evaluation cycle, the effectiveness of these dual measures—retaining the vendor while centralizing the data—will likely remain a focal point for educators, parents, and digital security advocates alike.