The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a proposal to introduce open-book assessments for Class 9 final examinations starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The decision was taken by the board’s governing body during a meeting held in June.
According to the report, the move is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The open-book format will be implemented for subjects including language, mathematics, science, and social science at the Class 9 level.
The idea of open-book assessments was first discussed in the CBSE curriculum committee meeting in November 2023 and received formal approval last year. Under the proposal, a pilot run was planned in select schools covering English, Mathematics, and Science for Classes 9 and 10, and English, Mathematics, and Biology for Classes 11 and 12. The objective was to assess stakeholder feedback and measure the time taken by students to complete the tests.
In open-book exams, students are allowed to refer to textbooks and other relevant materials while answering questions. Instead of testing rote memorisation, these assessments focus on evaluating conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and the ability to apply knowledge. The format is designed to encourage higher-order thinking and reduce dependence on memorisation-based preparation.
