Coempt hits back: Human error, not software failure behind CBSE OSM mess

Weeks after complaints over answer-sheet mix-ups and blurred scans sparked controversy, Coempt Edu Teck has denied any software failure in CBSE's on-screen marking system. However, concerns over tender practices, cybersecurity and transparency remain.

In Short

• Coempt denies CBSE changed tender rules or used substandard hardware
• Complaints on blurred scans and delays are isolated, most students received copies
• Publicly accessible test server hacked but no real data compromised

A controversy that initially emerged after students were reportedly given incorrect answer sheets has now evolved into a broader discussion on transparency, cybersecurity, and procurement procedures within CBSE.

Almost a month after allegations related to the board's On-Screen Marking (OSM) platform triggered nationwide attention, technology provider Coempt Edu Teck has issued its most comprehensive response so far, refuting accusations of software malfunctions, security breaches, and irregularities in the awarding of its contract.

WHAT DID COEMPT SAY ABOUT THE ANSWER-SHEET MIX-UP?

One of the key allegations involved a Class 12 student allegedly receiving another candidate's evaluated answer sheet. Coempt said its internal review found no fault in the OSM platform and attributed the mix-up to human error during the scanning process.

The company added that it had identified the scanning location and personnel involved.

However, the controversy soon widened beyond a single case, with several students reporting issues such as mismatched answer sheets, blurred scans and concerns over the accuracy of digital evaluation.

DID CBSE CHANGE TENDER RULES TO FAVOUR COEMPT?

Coempt categorically denied allegations that CBSE modified procurement guidelines to benefit the company. The accusations, made by student blogger Sarthak Siddhant, claimed that tender requirements had been altered and that Coempt used inferior hardware.

The company maintained that its scanners are standard industry-grade machines widely used for large-scale answer-sheet digitisation and are periodically upgraded. Although the Education Ministry has requested details from CBSE regarding the procurement process, no official inquiry has concluded that any procurement norms were breached.

WAS COEMPT'S SYSTEM HACKED?

Addressing claims made by ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary, Coempt admitted that a publicly accessible testing server had been accessed. However, the company stressed that no student records, client data, or live operational systems were affected.

According to Coempt, the server hosted only dummy data intended for internal testing purposes and remained entirely separate from production environments.

While Coempt maintains that no live systems were compromised, concerns have persisted following reports of an IIT-backed audit that reportedly identified vulnerabilities within parts of the broader OSM ecosystem. The findings reignited debate over cybersecurity preparedness and oversight mechanisms in large-scale digital examination systems.

COMPLAINTS OVER BLURRED SCANS AND DELAYED ACCESS

Coempt acknowledged that some complaints had been received regarding unclear scans and delays in obtaining answer-sheet copies but described these issues as isolated operational challenges rather than widespread system failures.

The company stated that approximately 95 percent of students who sought copies of their answer sheets have already received them. It further said that concerns regarding scan clarity and readability are currently under review in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Earlier reports citing government sources indicated that around 20 answer-sheet mix-up cases were detected during the first implementation phase of the OSM system. Reports also suggested that more than 13,000 answer sheets had to be shifted to manual evaluation after scanned copies failed to meet the quality standards required for digital assessment.

WHY IS THE 2019 TELANGANA EXAM CONTROVERSY BEING MENTIONED AGAIN?

The ongoing CBSE dispute has once again brought attention to Coempt's involvement in the 2019 Telangana Intermediate examination controversy, which generated significant criticism following the declaration of results.

However, Coempt referred to observations made by the Supreme Court to contend that allegations of large-scale technological failures were not substantiated by judicial findings. The company also highlighted that only a limited number of reviewed cases ultimately resulted in revised outcomes.

COEMPT'S DEFENCE OF THE OSM PLATFORM

In an effort to reassure stakeholders, Coempt stated that it currently serves more than 35 educational institutions and processes close to two crore answer booklets every year. Its offerings include answer-sheet digitisation, on-screen evaluation, AI-assisted assessment, and question-paper management solutions.

The company continues to assert that the present controversy is the result of isolated operational shortcomings rather than any flaw in the software platform itself. According to Coempt, its technology infrastructure has been deployed across multiple large-scale examinations and educational assessment programmes over the years.

WILL THE CONTROVERSY END HERE?

While Coempt has addressed several allegations, concerns over procurement, cybersecurity, scan quality and accountability in CBSE's digital evaluation system continue to draw scrutiny.

With the Education Ministry seeking details on the OSM contract and implementation, the platform is likely to remain under the spotlight.

- Ends