Inside CBSE’s Open-Book Exam Plan: What It Could Mean for Students

Inside CBSE’s Open-Book Exam Plan: What It Could Mean for Students

Open-book exams are not inherently easier than traditional memory-based tests — and while the concept is not new to India, its large-scale adoption in school-level board assessments has faced challenges. Now, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to reintroduce the format in a big way, starting with Class 9 from the 2026–27 academic year.

When and How Will CBSE Roll Out OBEs?

In June 2025, CBSE’s Governing Body approved the plan following pilot tests held in November–December 2023. These pilots were conducted for:

• Classes 9 & 10: English, Mathematics, Science

• Classes 11 & 12: English, Mathematics, Biology

The pilot results revealed strong teacher support for open-book assessments (OBEs). CBSE will now introduce them gradually, starting with Class 9 in 2026–27, before expanding to higher classes.

What Is an Open-Book Exam?

In an open-book exam, students can use approved materials — textbooks, class notes, or specified reference guides — during the test. However, OBEs test far more than the ability to “find the answer”.

• In science, for example, the facts may be in front of you, but the real challenge is connecting them to arrive at a conclusion.

• The focus is on interpreting, applying, and analysing concepts rather than rote recall.

 A Brief History of OBEs Globally

• 1950s onwards: Hong Kong introduced open-book formats in 1953.

• 1951–1978 (US & UK): Trials allowed textbooks, notes, and lecture materials in various university-level exams.

• Research findings: Students tended to perform better on application-based questions, with weaker students showing notable improvement compared to closed-book tests.

• COVID-19 era: Universities worldwide adopted online OBEs — revealing both the potential and the challenges of the format.

Open-Book Exams in India: Past & Present

• 2014–2017: CBSE’s Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) aimed to reduce rote learning in Classes 9 and 11, but it was eventually discontinued due to limited success in building critical thinking skills.

• 2019: AICTE approved OBE use in engineering colleges.

• Pandemic years: Institutions like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU, and IITs conducted OBEs online.

• State initiatives: Kerala’s Higher Education Reforms Commission suggested using OBEs only for internal/practical assessments.

What Does the Research Say?

• Norwegian Study (2000): Students in OBEs were more likely to make conceptual connections.

• AIIMS Bhubaneswar: Medical students reported lower stress levels during OBEs.

• Delhi University Study: Students scored higher even without special training — but long-term benefits require explicit instruction on analytical skills.

• Nirma University Findings: Success in OBEs comes from teaching students how to interpret questions and apply concepts, not just look them up.

Why Is CBSE Bringing OBEs Back Now?

This aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals:

• Move away from rote memorisation towards competency-based learning.

• Encourage understanding of concepts, processes, and real-world application.

• The National Curriculum Framework also emphasises assessment formats that cater to diverse learning styles and reduce exam-related fear.

The Potential Benefits & Challenges

Benefits

• Reduces memorisation pressure

• Encourages analytical and problem-solving skills

• Can lower exam stress

Challenges

• Students may underprepare, assuming the exam will be easier

• Requires teachers to redesign question papers for application-based evaluation

• Needs training for students on efficient resource use during the exam

Final Takeaway

CBSE’s move to reintroduce OBEs marks a significant shift in India’s school assessment philosophy. While the format has the potential to make exams more relevant, fair, and skill-focused, its success will depend on teacher training, student preparation strategies, and paper design that truly tests comprehension over memory.

If implemented well, OBEs could help create a generation of learners better equipped to think critically, solve problems, and apply knowledge — skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Read this: https://smartachievers.online/cbse-open-book-exam-class-9-2026-27-ncfse