CBSE probes cyber breach after unauthorised access to revaluation portal

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has said its revaluation portal was targeted by a malicious cyberattack that resulted in around 50 students gaining unauthorised access to the system during the board’s post-result verification process.

According to CBSE officials, the breach was detected during the revaluation and answer-sheet access window after Class 10 and Class 12 board examination results were declared.

The board said the incident involved attempts to improperly access examination-related records through technical vulnerabilities and unauthorised methods.

CBSE said preliminary findings showed that nearly 50 students were able to gain unauthorised access through the affected system.

The board has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the vulnerability or the specific information that may have been accessed.

Officials said the issue was identified and contained, following which corrective measures were implemented to secure the portal.

The board is also examining whether any external actors were involved or whether the access was limited to students attempting to bypass system restrictions.

Revaluation process under scrutiny

The incident has drawn attention because the revaluation and answer-sheet verification process is a sensitive stage for students seeking review of examination marks.

Every year, thousands of CBSE students apply for photocopies of answer sheets, verification of marks and re-evaluation after results are announced.

Any breach involving examination records can raise concerns around fairness, data security and the integrity of academic processes.

CBSE said necessary technical safeguards have been strengthened following the incident.

The episode highlights increasing cybersecurity challenges facing educational institutions and examination bodies that manage large volumes of student data through online platforms.

In recent years, universities, testing agencies and school boards globally have faced cyberattacks, data breaches and attempts to manipulate digital examination systems.

The issue is particularly sensitive in India because competitive examinations and board results affect admissions, scholarships and future academic opportunities for millions of students.

CBSE has not yet indicated whether disciplinary or legal action may be initiated against those found responsible for the unauthorised access.

The board said further investigation into the incident is ongoing.