Principals emphasize that the integrity of Class 12 assessments remains intact despite security concerns surrounding the new digital marking platform.
DUBAI — CBSE school principals across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have moved to reassure anxious families that the integrity of the Class 12 examination system remains secure. Amid growing concerns regarding reported technical vulnerabilities in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new digital infrastructure, educational leaders have stressed that multiple quality assurance safeguards are actively protecting student results.
The re-evaluation and marking process came under scrutiny following complaints from students, reports by ethical hackers in India, and administrative questions regarding the tendering process for the board’s new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. The revelation sparked widespread discussion among the Gulf Malayali community and the broader Indian diaspora in the UAE, with parents and students raising crucial questions about grading confidentiality, marks security, and final publication timelines.
However, school administrators emphasize that proactive interventions and subsequent clarifications by the CBSE have largely mitigated these anxieties.
Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, highlighted the board’s structural transparency during this period. He noted that students seeking re-evaluation have already been granted direct access to their evaluated answer sheets to submit formal observations.
“The board has acknowledged that vulnerabilities may have occurred and is taking the matter seriously. CBSE appoints external agencies through a proper process laid down by the Government of India, so appropriate action will be taken against the agency concerned if required,” Mahajan stated.
He further observed that a recent surge in re-evaluation requests is also heavily tied to a shift toward advanced, “competency-based questions” rather than purely systemic technical errors. To alleviate the financial burden on families navigating this phase, the board has also reduced the overall cost of the re-evaluation process.
Echoing this confidence, Prarthana Kale, Principal of The Indian Academy, reassured stakeholders that the evaluation framework remains highly resilient.
“We would like to reassure parents and students that the assessment and evaluation processes remain secure, rigorous, and subject to multiple quality assurance mechanisms,” Kale said, urging students to remain focused on their higher education goals without fear of systemic bias.
To prevent future disruptions, the board has reportedly rolled out upgraded security protocols and extensive technical support. According to Shiny Davison, Principal of Woodlem Park School in Ajman, academic institutions received prompt and clear guidance immediately following the discovery of the system vulnerabilities. Intensive training sessions have since been conducted to ensure that teachers serving as evaluators can navigate the enhanced digital platform with optimal efficiency and accuracy.
As the academic cycle progresses, UAE educational leaders believe these swift technical rectifications will ultimately streamline digital assessment structures, ensuring both data security and the timely declaration of final results.
