CBSE Detects Possible Cyber Attack on Answer Sheet Payment Portal

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Cybersecurity Incident Disrupts CBSE’s Digital Payment Gateway for Class 12 Answer Sheets

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently experienced a suspected cyber intrusion in its payment gateway, disrupting access to evaluated answer scripts for a small group of students.

Technical Disruption Causes Incorrect Transaction Values

According to officials, the issue arose when a suspected malicious cyber attempt impacted the payment infrastructure integrated into the On Screen Marking (OSM) system.

Around 50 students who attempted to access their evaluated answer sheets online were displayed incorrect transaction values, ranging from ₹1 to ₹67,000.

Discrepancies Not Actual Charges, But System-Level Distortions

These discrepancies were not actual charges but rather system-level distortions triggered by the technical disruption.

Only about 50 cases out of more than 11 lakh answer sheet access requests were affected by such irregularities.
Nearly 20 complaints were reported regarding mismatched or incorrectly assigned scanned answer sheets.

Payment Services Temporarily Disrupted, Alternative Gateways Activated

Payment services were temporarily disrupted due to issues integrating with HDFC Bank’s gateway.

After an internal review, the bank was removed from the process, and the system was shifted to alternative public sector bank payment gateways.
The alternative gateways include Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, State Bank of India, and Indian Bank, which successfully tested and are functioning normally.

CBSE Defends On Screen Marking System, Emphasizes Cybersecurity Measures

The CBSE has defended the On Screen Marking system, stating that it remains transparent and robust, improving efficiency, reducing manual errors, and enhancing accessibility for students seeking access to their evaluated answer sheets.

The board has also acknowledged that cybersecurity and operational safeguards are being continuously strengthened following this incident.

Educational Authorities Strengthen Cybersecurity and Operational Safeguards

Education authorities have emphasized that the disruption occurred during the early stages of implementing the digital system.

They are working to strengthen cybersecurity and operational safeguards.

Digitization of Examination and Evaluation Systems Raises Concerns Over Data Security

This incident has reignited debate over the digitization of examination and evaluation systems in India.

Experts note that digital platforms offer benefits such as scalability and transparency, but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks that require constant monitoring.