In a progressive move towards modernizing assessment methods in line with the new National Curriculum Framework, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is contemplating the introduction of Open Book Examinations (OBE) for students in Classes 9 to 12. The proposed pilot program, set to begin in November-December of this year, aims to assess higher-order thinking skills, application, analysis, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
What are Open Book Exams?
Unlike traditional closed-book exams, where students are expected to rely on memory alone, Open Book Exams permit students to reference their notes, textbooks, or other study materials during the test. This form of assessment challenges students to showcase their understanding of a subject and their ability to analyze and apply concepts, rather than just regurgitating information.
Pilot Program Details
The CBSE has outlined a pilot run of open-book tests in select schools for Classes 9 and 10 (English, Mathematics, and Science) and Classes 11 and 12 (English, Mathematics, and Biology). This pilot aims to evaluate factors such as the time taken by students to complete these tests and stakeholders’ responses to this innovative approach to assessment.
Involvement of Delhi University (DU)
To ensure a well-structured pilot program, the CBSE plans to consult with Delhi University (DU), which has previously implemented open-book tests. Despite initial opposition, DU introduced OBEs in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to the academic calendar. The university faced legal challenges, with students expressing concerns about fairness for those without internet access or adequate infrastructure, especially students with disabilities. However, the Delhi High Court later permitted DU to conduct OBEs for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Ajay Arora, OSD Examination at DU, shared insights into the university’s experience: “The first OBE assessment was held in August 2020 and the last one was held in March 2022. DU resumed physical mode completely in January 2022 but the last round of OBE was given as an option for students who joined the varsity in November 2021. We resumed the normal mode of examination thereafter.”
Curriculum Committee’s Insights
During a recent curriculum committee meeting, members discussed the importance of developing high-quality textbooks to support students in understanding and embracing this new method of assessment. There were also suggestions to have teachers undergo the open book exams first, allowing them to grasp the concept and assist in creating OBE materials akin to the quality seen in exams like the Advanced Placement (AP) examination, which is a standard benchmark for college entrance in the United States.
The CBSE aims to finalize the design and development of the OBE pilot by June, after which it will decide whether to implement this form of assessment across all its schools for Classes 9 to 12. This shift represents a significant step towards encouraging critical thinking and practical application of knowledge among students, aligning with the evolving educational landscape.
