Education minister reviews CBSE reforms, OSM, and three-language policy

Education Minister Pralhad Joshi chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Department of School Education and Literacy to review key developments concerning the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The meeting focused on strengthening CBSE’s academic, exam and administrative systems, with emphasis on improving efficiency, transparency and support for students and teachers.

The discussions come amid scrutiny of several major reforms, including the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system and implementation of the three-language policy. CBSE introduced OSM for evaluating Class XII answer books in the 2026 Board exams, replacing physical evaluation for Class XII, while Class X continued to be evaluated in physical mode.

The system has since faced concerns from students and other stakeholders. On August 21, the Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and CBSE on grievances linked to OSM, including complaints regarding the one-week grievance window.

The three-language policy was another key issue under focus. From the 2026-27 academic session, CBSE students must study three languages, including at least two Indian languages. The board has issued guidelines detailing transitional provisions and exemptions for certain students.

The policy has also come under judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court asking the CBSE, the Centre and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to reconsider aspects of its implementation and explore relief for students currently in Class 6. The court also raised questions over the classification of English and cautioned against placing undue pressure on students.

The review comes amid wider concerns over examination reforms following issues in the UGC-NET June 2026 examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has ordered re-examinations for English, Commerce and Sociology papers after an expert committee identified factual, typographical, translation and question-related errors.

The re-exams are scheduled for September 9 and 10, 2026, with no additional fee for candidates. The developments have prompted the Education Ministry to seek a comprehensive review of NTA’s exam processes, including cybersecurity, psychometrics and question-paper design.

The CBSE meeting signals continued government focus on strengthening exam systems and ensuring greater accountability across India’s education ecosystem.