CBSE To Introduce Open-Book Exams For Class 9 From 2026-27 After Pilot Study Gains Teacher Support

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the introduction of open-book assessments for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The decision follows a pilot study that indicated strong teacher support for such assessments.

The proposal, cleared by the CBSE's Governing Body - the board's highest decision-making authority - in a meeting held in June, aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to the meeting's minutes, the plan is to incorporate open-book assessments into Class 9 as part of three pen-and-paper assessments per term. These will cover core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science.

The NCFSE defines an open-book test as one in which students have access to resources like textbooks, class notes, and library books while answering questions. The purpose is to assess a student's ability to process information, apply it in different contexts, and synthesise knowledge - moving the focus away from memorisation towards application and higher-order thinking.

The minutes also highlighted that the NCFSE recommends shifting from rote learning to competency-based education, with open-book assessments acting as a key tool for this transformation.

In December 2023, CBSE had approved a pilot study on open-book assessments for Classes 9 to 12, as reported by The Indian Express in February 2024. The pilot was designed to examine factors such as completion time and stakeholder perceptions. The results showed student scores ranging from 12% to 47%, reflecting difficulties in using resources effectively and understanding interdisciplinary concepts.

However, teachers viewed the approach positively, recognising its potential to encourage critical thinking. Feedback from the study emphasised the need for structured guidance to help students navigate reference materials and apply knowledge effectively. The pilot focused on "cross-cutting themes" within the curriculum and did not introduce any extra reading material.

While performance challenges were noted, the governing body acknowledged the strong teacher support for the initiative. CBSE now plans to create standardised sample papers to ensure question quality and stimulate critical thinking. A framework will also be developed for integrating open-book exams into internal assessments for Class 9. Although not mandatory, schools will be given guidance on how to implement the format if they choose to adopt it.

The minutes stated that the initiative's goals include reducing exam stress, promoting real-world application of knowledge, and shifting from rote memorisation to conceptual understanding. The NCFSE also stresses the importance of assessing conceptual clarity, problem-solving skills, and analytical thinking rather than recall alone.

Open-book assessments are not entirely new for CBSE. In 2014, the board introduced the Open Text Based Assessment (OTBA) in Class 9 for Hindi, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, and in Class 11 final exams for Economics, Biology, and Geography. Students were provided with reference material four months in advance. However, the initiative was discontinued in 2017-18 after it was found to have limited impact on developing "critical abilities" among students.