Finance
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session. Following a pilot assessment on the format’s viability and acceptance in schools, the board’s Governing Body approved the move in June.
In accordance with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this change seeks to switch the emphasis from rote memorization to competency-based learning.
Language, math, physics, and social science are among the key disciplines that will be covered under the open-book assessment method used by the CBSE. During the tests, students can consult their allowed materials, class notes, and textbooks. Although CBSE will offer instructions, schools are free to choose whether or not to use this structure. Each academic term, three pen-and-paper tests will include the assessments.
The proposal follows a pilot project that evaluated open-book exams in Classes 9 through 12 and was approved in December 2023. The range of student performance, from 12% to 47%, showed difficulties in comprehending transdisciplinary concepts and making appropriate use of resources. Stakeholder input and completion time were among the variables evaluated in the study. Teachers who participated in the trial expressed optimism in OBAs despite this, pointing out that they could improve critical thinking.
Since introducing the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11 in 2014 across a variety of disciplines, the CBSE has experience with open-book assessments. Months before tests, students were given reference materials; nevertheless, the program was abandoned in 2017–18 because it had no effect on improving critical thinking abilities.
To guarantee efficient implementation this time, CBSE will give standardised sample papers and full guidelines to enable schools in conducting Open Book Assessments (OBAs). With the use of these resources, students will be able to navigate reference materials and apply their knowledge to practical situations.
In order to assist schools in incorporating open-book exams into their internal assessment systems, CBSE will provide training and organized guidance for the impending implementation. Officials said the objective is to connect examinations with the aim of NEP 2020 and help students develop higher-order thinking skills.
