U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday (August 30, 2026) he will encourage G20 members to re-examine terms of trade with China to shrink global imbalances and press Beijing to rebalance its economy away from exports and toward domestic consumption.U.S
Step inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai: 18th-floor gem that blends vintage and modern styles Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:10:07 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A look inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Add a little shine and sparkle to your lips with these 5 glitter lipsticksIf you are bored of your regular lipsticks then its time to switch to glitter lipsticks
Techie lands in Bengaluru from US via Amsterdam, calls out Delta, KLM over missing bagA techie landed in Bengaluru from the US via Amsterdam, only to discover his checked baggage was missing. Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 12:10:34 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A techie
Daughter takes mother to movie theatre for the first time with her own earnings: ‘This is priceless’A daughter used her own earnings to give her mother her first movie theatre experience. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 13:36:14 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A daughter
3-Language Formula To OSM Row
3-Language Formula To OSM Row: Major CBSE Controversies During Ex-Chairman Rahul Singh's Tenure
When IAS officer Rahul Singh took charge of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2023, he was tasked with one of the most ambitious overhauls of India’s school education system—implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By the end of his tenure, however, his name had become linked not just to sweeping reforms but also to a series of controversies that triggered political backlash, parliamentary scrutiny and, ultimately, a government-ordered probe.
On Tuesday, the Centre transferred Singh from the post of CBSE chairperson amid the escalating row over the board’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system and ordered an inquiry into the procurement of the technology.
Here’s a look at the key controversies that marked his tenure.
1. The Three-Language Formula Storm
Perhaps the most politically charged controversy under Singh’s leadership was the rollout of the NEP-mandated three-language policy.
Under the new CBSE curriculum framework for Classes 9 and 10, students would be required to study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The policy was framed as an effort to align school education with the recommendations of NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE).
But the move immediately sparked opposition, particularly from southern states, with former Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin accusing the Centre of attempting “linguistic imposition". The debate quickly escalated into a larger political battle over federalism, language identity and education policy.
The issue became significant enough to figure on the agenda of a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting that sought explanations from both CBSE and the Education Ministry.
2. Pushback Over Foreign Languages
The language controversy did not stop with politics.
Several educators and schools expressed concerns that the new language structure could squeeze out foreign language options such as German, French and Spanish, especially in urban schools where demand for such courses had traditionally been high. Reports from Delhi schools suggested teachers were worried about shrinking enrolment and uncertainty over the future of foreign-language programmes.
While CBSE maintained that the reforms were in line with NEP goals and intended to strengthen Indian-language learning, critics argued that implementation remained unclear and could reduce student choice.
3. On-Screen Marking (OSM) Evaluation Row
The biggest crisis of Singh’s tenure erupted after the declaration of the 2026 Class 12 board examination results.
Students and parents alleged serious anomalies in the newly introduced On-Screen Marking system, which digitised the evaluation of answer sheets. Complaints ranged from alleged unchecked answers and evaluation discrepancies to concerns about scanned copies of answer scripts. The issue snowballed on social media and eventually reached Parliament.
The controversy became politically explosive after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly questioned the integrity of the system and highlighted allegations raised by students regarding irregularities in the evaluation process.
Procurement Questions And Tender Scrutiny
What began as a marks-related controversy soon widened into questions about how the OSM system had been procured.
Allegations surfaced regarding the award of the digital evaluation contract to Coempt Edutech, prompting demands for greater transparency in the tendering process. CBSE dismissed the accusations as “erroneous" and “misleading", insisting that procurement norms had been followed.
However, mounting pressure led the Centre to order a formal investigation into the procurement process. A one-member committee headed by former IAS officer S Radha Chauhan was tasked with examining the matter.
Parliamentary Scrutiny And Exit
The language-policy debate and the OSM controversy converged in an unusual way when both issues were listed for examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee. Lawmakers sought explanations on the implementation of the language reforms as well as the functioning of the digital evaluation system.
Within days, the government transferred both Rahul Singh and CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta. The Centre simultaneously announced a probe into the OSM procurement process and appointed a new CBSE leadership team.
Supporters of Rahul Singh argue that many of the controversies stemmed from his aggressive push to implement NEP reforms, including changes to language education, curriculum design and examination systems. As CBSE chairperson, he oversaw some of the most significant policy changes in recent years, particularly the transition toward digital evaluation and NEP-aligned schooling.
Critics, however, contend that the rollout of these reforms often outpaced stakeholder consultation and implementation preparedness, culminating in the OSM crisis that eventually overshadowed much of his reform agenda.
Whether remembered as a reformer who pushed difficult changes or as the face of one of CBSE’s most turbulent periods in recent years, Rahul Singh leaves behind a tenure that generated as much debate as it did transformation.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Can age-related fraility be reversed IAS officer Trigun Kulkarni takes over as MSBSHSE head Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan joins Congress Kerala Excise Commissioner post should be filled with IAS officer Madhya Pradesh IAS Officer Slaps Youth For Highlighting Lack Of Toilets Issue IAS officer's post on reforms after UDF victory sparks debate in Kerala IAS officer says education never taught lessons on happiness How Women Took Charge In Bihar’s Big Ballot Battle Another police officer dies reportedly by suicide days after IPS officer’s death Row erupts after Kerala poll officer takes charge as secretary to chief minister
Daayra trailer: Kareena Kapoor probes Prithviraj's encounter killings as Meghna Gulzar explores law vs justiceDaayra's trailer features Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran as cops in a gripping crime thriller exploring the limitations of the law. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
Celebrity diets often come with strict rules, expensive ingredients and foods most people would struggle to eat every day. But actor Deepshikha Nagpal’s approach to food is refreshingly familiar. At 49, the actor says she enjoys parathas, poha and other home-cooked foods
1 days ago
One person has died and 15 remain missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon, the National Park Service (NPS) told US media. The flood hit at around 14:30 local time (22:30 BST) on Saturday in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area
1 days ago
In the run up to the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Madhusudanan R, co-founder of M2P Fintech, spoke to The Economic Times Digital about the new frontiers of challenges for India in the age of AI, how fintechs have to walk a tightrope and why India is a better market than the US
1 days ago
Keeping a smartphone beside the bed has become a common habit. Many people place their phone under the pillow, on the mattress, or on a bedside table so they can check notifications, use an alarm or quickly respond to messages during the night
1 days ago
Krushna Abhishek celebrates Rakhi with mami Sunita Ahuja and her kids; Govinda skips celebrationKrushna Abhishek celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Govinda's kids and wife Sunita Ahuja, while the Hero No. 1 actor remained absent from the celebrations. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced a milk procurement price increase to Rs 44 per litre. He also revealed plans for a semiconductor park and new electricity corridors in Kanchipuram. Meanwhile, Mumbai's milk prices will rise by Rs 9 per litre starting September 1, 2026
1 days ago
Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during a US Open first-round defeat by Argentina's Mariano Navone which provided further evidence age is fast catching up with the 39-year-old great. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was overcome by emotion in the deciding set of a dramatic match where he struggled
1 days ago
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) will now be conducted three times a year instead of the usual two, following a decision by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The board has announced an additional FMGE examination for October 31, 2026
1 days ago
Jenny Lupton death: Southwest Airlines flight attendant's nephew reveals unusual circumstances, ‘Her bed was untouched’In a conversation with HT.com, Jenny Lupton's nephew, Samuel, described her as a “very friendly person” who knew “exactly how to make anyone laugh or smile
1 days ago
Venus Williams falls at first hurdle in US OpenVenus Williams tumbled out of the US Open first round early Monday. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 12:13:12 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Venus Williams tumbled out of the US Open first round early Monday
1 days ago
Novak Djokovic drops biggest hint about future in professional tennis after US Open shocker: ‘How much longer I can…’Novak Djokovic addressed his future after suffering a shock defeat in the first round of the US Open. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
Lakshya Sen will aim to put the disappointment of his early BWF World Championships exit behind him when he leads India’s challenge at the USD 1.25 million China Masters Super 750, which gets underway in Shenzhen on Tuesday. Sen, who made history as the first Indian male shuttler to reach an
1 days ago
The government has notified the scheme with an outlay of Rs 1.27 lakh crore to boost the in the country.The scheme has been divided into six segments covering designing of chips by Indian firms, setting up units for capital equipment required for chip production, semiconductor fabs, chip assembly
1 days ago
Four suspected members of an armed group were killed in a gunfight with the Meghalaya Police in the East Garo Hills district on Sunday. Two pistols, along with live and used rounds of ammunition, were recovered from them, said the East Garo Hills Police
1 days ago
Anti-conversion bill won’t be tabled in Goa assembly: BJP lawmakerRuling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Michael Lobo said the government acted in haste in having the bill cleared in the Cabinet Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:06:30 IST By Gerard de Souza Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
1 days ago
The rupee fell 13 paise to trade at 95.56 per U.S. dollar on Monday (August 31, 2026) morning pressured by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical strain. Forex traders said market participants have raised the probability of a September Fed rate hike, pushing U.S
1 days ago
An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on a purification ritual. The Congress party criticized the Uttarakhand government for this action. They questioned why no case was filed against those who performed the ritual. The Congress stated they would respond through democratic and legal
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a case against Dehradun gym owner Deepak Kumar, who had opposed the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper by alleged Bajrang Dal members in January, Live Law reported. The bench also stayed the Uttarakhand High Court’s March order restraining Kumar from
1 days ago
OpenAI said on Friday that it plans to end its agreement providing AI models to Cursor, the coding-tool company now owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. OpenAI said it was not confident that SpaceX would use its technology “within our terms of service
1 days ago
Google Maps has changed the name of “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America” for U.S. users to reflect President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the lake, according to a Google statement. Mr. Trump announced on Thursday (August 27, 2026) that he was changing the name of the smallest
1 days ago
Designer Sandeep Khosla responds to Urvashi Rautela's 'gandi copy' of Gigi Hadid saree from 2023 NMACC opening in Mumbai Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 10:16:09 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Sandeep Khosla reacts to Urvashi Rautela's Cannes 2026 look
1 days ago
‘You didn’t get robbed, you got outworked’: Man in US hits back at ‘Indians steal jobs’ claimA man in the US hit back at claims that Indians “steal jobs”, saying they earned opportunities through hard work. Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 10:51:35 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon
1 days ago
Can too much exercise be dangerous? Neurologist explains when intense workouts may harm the heart Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 10:13:37 IST By Anukriti Srivastava Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Can pushing your body too hard during exercise cause a heart attack? (Unsplash) From heart attacks
1 days ago
Meta's Vice President and Head for India and South East Asia, Sandhya Devanathan, is leaving the social media giant after more than a decade and is all set to join OpenAI as Vice President for South East Asia and Australia. In this newly-created role
1 days ago
Woman reveals how she makes ₹8.8 lakh a month from user generated content: ‘No outreach’A woman turned user-generated content into a ₹8.8 lakh monthly income in just five months. Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 10:58:19 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A woman
1 days ago
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Sunday (August 30, 2026) reached Turkiye for a trilateral defence pact meeting, which also includes Saudi Arabia. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the trilateral defence agreement
1 days ago
