CBSE makes mock evaluation mandatory for teachers to prepare for digital answer sheet checking. Check schedule, purpose, and key instructions
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for teachers of Classes XI and XII to participate in a nationwide mass mock evaluation exercise on 26 February 2026. The move aims to prepare teachers for the digital evaluation system that CBSE will use to check answer sheets this year.
CBSE says the exercise will help teachers understand the on-screen marking (OSM) platform, ensure smooth login access, and improve familiarity before actual evaluation begins. The board has already upgraded the system based on feedback from schools and evaluators to make it easier and more reliable.
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Why has CBSE introduced the mass mock evaluation?
CBSE introduced the mock evaluation to ensure teachers are fully prepared for digital answer sheet checking. According to the circular dated 24 February 2026, the board wants teachers to gain hands-on experience and avoid technical problems during the real evaluation process.
The board also wants to test the system’s capacity. Since lakhs of students appear in CBSE exams every year, the mock test will help check whether the platform can handle heavy usage without delays or errors.
When will the mock evaluation take place?
CBSE has scheduled the mock evaluation on a single day, with region-wise login timings to manage system load.
| Region | Time |
|---|---|
| Prayagraj, Trivandrum, Dehradun, Vijayawada | 08:30 am – 09:00 am |
| Noida, Patna, Lucknow, Raipur | 09:15 am – 09:45 am |
| Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Delhi-East (including foreign schools) | 11:00 am – 11:30 am |
| Ajmer, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula | 11:45 am – 12:15 pm |
| Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai | 12:30 pm – 01:00 pm |
| Delhi-West, Gurugram | 02:00 pm – 02:30 pm |
CBSE has carefully selected these time slots to avoid clashes with ongoing examinations and ensure smooth system performance.
What must teachers do during the exercise?
CBSE has issued clear instructions for teachers participating in the mock evaluation:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory login | Teachers must log in during the allotted time from their school only |
| Evaluation task | Each teacher must evaluate at least one answer book |
| System testing | Teachers must use the system normally to help test its capacity |
| Report issues | Any technical problem must be reported to the principal |
| Principal’s role | Principals must collect feedback and send it to CBSE |
CBSE says this exercise will ensure teachers feel confident and ready before actual answer sheet checking begins.
How will the principal dashboard help schools?
CBSE has also provided a special dashboard for principals. This dashboard allows school heads to monitor teacher logins, track evaluation progress, and share login credentials directly with teachers.
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The board says this feature will help schools manage evaluation activities more efficiently and ensure that all teachers complete the required preparation.
Why is CBSE shifting to digital evaluation?
CBSE is moving toward digital evaluation to make the process faster, more transparent, and accurate. On-screen marking reduces manual errors and speeds up result preparation.
The board believes this digital system will improve efficiency and help deliver results on time while maintaining quality and fairness.
What happens after the mock evaluation?
CBSE will use the mock evaluation results to fix technical issues and ensure smooth system performance. The board will soon announce the schedule for actual subject-wise evaluation.
CBSE says the cooperation of teachers and schools is essential to make the digital evaluation system successful and reliable for millions of students.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the official CBSE circular dated 24 February 2026. Readers should refer to the CBSE website or official notifications for complete details and updates.
