Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s Open-Book Examinations Plan

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plans to introduce open-book assessments for Class IX students from 2026-27.

• The move is seen as a pedagogically progressive move, shifting focus from rote learning to analytical thinking and real-world application.

• The proposal aims to integrate it as part of three pen-paper assessments per term, covering core subjects like language, mathematics, science, and social science.

• Open-book examinations (OBEs) can democratize assessment and ease students’ anxiety about high-stakes exams.

• OBEs require creative imagination and a multi-disciplinary focus, nurturing independent thought, critical reading, and ethical information use.

• However, the implementation of these reforms must be cautious, with a focus on teacher training and equitable access to resources.

• The OBE pilot study showed scores ranging from 12% to 47%, indicating challenges in effectively utilising resources and grasping interdisciplinary concepts.

• The reform comes amid other changes, including the restructuring of curricula, rationalisation of text books, and digital evaluation systems.