The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has given the green light to introduce Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students beginning with the 2026-27 academic session. The move, approved by the board’s Governing Body on June 25, aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to encourage competency-based learning and reduce reliance on rote memorisation.
Under the new format, OBAs will be part of the three pen-and-paper tests conducted each term, covering key subjects such as Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The initiative is intended to promote critical thinking, real-world application of concepts, and to ease exam-related anxiety among students.
The proposal was first reviewed by CBSE’s curriculum committee in November 2023 and approved later that year. A pilot programme was carried out in select schools to gauge feasibility. For Classes 9 and 10, OBAs were tested in English, Mathematics, and Science, while Classes 11 and 12 attempted them in English, Mathematics, and Biology. The pilot evaluated performance, time management, and feedback from students and teachers. Results showed student scores ranging from 12% to 47%, with many struggling to use reference materials effectively and apply interdisciplinary knowledge. Despite these challenges, teachers expressed confidence in the system’s potential to boost higher-order thinking skills.
To ensure a smooth rollout, CBSE will release a detailed framework, structured guidelines, and standardised sample papers for OBA implementation. Initially, adoption may be optional for schools, allowing flexibility in execution.
This will not be CBSE’s first venture into open-book formats. Between 2014-15 and 2016-17, the board implemented the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11, which was discontinued following mixed feedback.
Unlike conventional examinations, open-book tests allow students to use textbooks and other approved materials during the exam, focusing on conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and application skills rather than memorisation.
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