UAE: CBSE Allows Grade 10 and 12 students to see answer sheets online

Students in the UAE who sat the CBSE board exams can now see their answer papers online and verify the scores allocated to them. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has stated that applicants will receive a link to check the concerns assigned to them on their answer sheets. Candidates who pay a specific price can use this service to resolve concerns about low grades. This process will begin the day following the announcement of board results.

Meanwhile, the CBSE confirmed the release date of the results on its official website on Sunday. The board stated, “CBSE Board results for classes X and XII are likely to be declared after May 20, 2024.” Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, stated, “A link will be posted on the board’s website the day after results are declared, allowing students to view the marks provided by examiners.”

This service will be accessible for five days after the connection is activated.

“The CBSE has a philosophy of being very transparent and vigilant about the correcting procedure. To be clear, they have devised a system in which students and parents can request to view the answer sheets either online or by obtaining a Xerox copy of their answers. “The board is making this available online for the first time,” he said. Each topic will cost roughly Dh23 (or Rs500) per student. Non-resident Indian (NRI) students must pay their fees in Indian rupees to the CBSE’s account.

Mahajan also stated that if a student wishes to revalue their grades, CBSE already has a framework in place.

“If a youngster believes he or she received lower grades, the pupil may petition for reassessment. Revaluation is also classified into two types: re-totaling the marks and complete revaluation,” he explained.

How will educators benefit?

Principals expressed their thanks, explaining how instructors will benefit from a clear grasp of the desired replies.

The highlighted data from these exams can be evaluated to help guide future instruction.

Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai, stated, “With the CBSE transitioning to competency-based questions in all disciplines, teachers and students will comprehend precise solutions to case-based questions, source-based questions, and constructive responses. Previously, it was re-evaluation and re-totaling, which was a lengthy physical process that lasted more than a month. This is an incredible new trend that has never been seen in the history of CBSE results announcements.”

Headteachers emphasized that pupils and parents will have direct access to the graded answer scripts, which will speed up the process and increase openness and fairness.

“This eliminates ambiguity, as many students believe they deserved higher ratings. If there are any differences, the application for re-evaluation is processed immediately. “Students will know exactly where they made mistakes,” she said.

Concerns

School authorities stated that, while this is an excellent example of properly employing technology to reach every student, other stakeholders have expressed concerns.

Abhilasha Singh, Principal at Shining Star International, remarked, “I have mixed views about the Indian government’s unique action. On the one hand, it is a beneficial practice for students, but it is not inclusive because not all students may be able to afford the paid service to compare their scores to the evaluator’s marking.”

It is reported that teachers who are found to be lax in their stepwise marking will risk disciplinary punishment.

Singh continued, “The move also talks about penalizing the teacher if there is a difference in the marking. This is a new move. The advantage is that students save time by filing for re-evaluation of their marks. Previously, answer scripts were not available to students following board exams. They can now review their responses and determine whether the grades gained are justified.”