Centre Appoints New CBSE Leadership Amid OSM Controversy
Bureau, Odishabarta
New Delhi, (02/06/26): In a significant move aimed at restoring confidence in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Centre has appointed senior IAS officer Lokhande Prashant Sitaram as the new Chairperson of CBSE. He replaces Rahul Singh, who has been transferred following growing criticism over the Board’s controversial On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.
The government has also appointed Varun Bhardwaj as the new Secretary of CBSE, replacing Himanshu Gupta. Bhardwaj was previously serving as Director in the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid widespread controversy surrounding the implementation of the OSM system for board examination evaluation. Students, teachers, and evaluators reported technical glitches, verification delays, and alleged irregularities in the assessment process, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry into the procurement and functioning of the OSM technology.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, criticised the developments, arguing that merely changing leadership would not address deeper systemic issues within CBSE’s evaluation framework.
They called for greater transparency and accountability in the rollout and management of the OSM system.
For students and parents, the controversy has intensified concerns regarding the fairness, accuracy, and reliability of board examination results. Education experts believe the new leadership must focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, improving evaluation mechanisms, and ensuring greater accountability in future reforms.
CBSE, which conducts examinations for millions of students across the country, now faces the twin challenge of rebuilding public trust while continuing its modernization efforts. With Lokhande Prashant Sitaram taking charge, stakeholders hope for a fresh beginning that combines technological innovation with transparency and reliability.
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