“Youth should make reels, not question systems”: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi over CBSE OSM row

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday intensified his attack on the Centre over the CBSE on screen marking system (OSM) controversy, praising two young whistleblowers while accusing the government of discouraging critical thinking among youth.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Gandhi said the leadership wants young people to remain occupied with “ making reels and frying pakodas ” instead of questioning systems or exposing irregularities.

He made these remarks while highlighting the work of student whistleblower Sarthak Sidhant and his associate Nisarg Adhikary , who have flagged alleged irregularities in the tendering process linked to the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) on screen marking system for Class 12 examinations.

Praising their efforts, Gandhi said the two students managed to uncover issues that, in his view, eluded even major investigative institutions and sections of the media. He described their work as an example of “ true youth power ”, driven by curiosity, awareness and courage.

Gandhi also shared a video of his recent meeting with the students on social media, where he interacted with Sidhant and his family. He said the 18 year old demonstrated remarkable clarity and determination in pursuing the issue, adding that the young generation must remain firm on principles.

Sarthak Sidhant and Nisarg Adhikary have alleged discrepancies in the tendering process connected to the vendor selection for the CBSE’s digital evaluation system. Sidhant has also presented his findings before a parliamentary panel, further amplifying the concerns raised around the system.

The controversy around the on screen marking system has emerged after some Class 12 students alleged mismatches between scanned answer sheets and their original handwriting, triggering concerns over evaluation accuracy and transparency.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has replaced traditional evaluation methods with digital assessment for Class 12, but the system has come under scrutiny following these allegations.

The opposition has accused the government of failing to ensure transparency, with calls for accountability directed at Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan . The Congress party has demanded his removal and sought an independent judicial inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, the firm COEMPT , linked to the tendering process, has also come under scrutiny amid allegations connected to the ongoing controversy.