CBSE Confirms Open Book Examinations For Classes 9-12

Amid news regarding the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plan for open-book examinations for students of classes 9 to 12, the educational body confirmed the information, noting that the decision was taken in the Governing Body Meeting held in 2023. The board”s proposed pilot run of open book test will be conducting soon, according to an official.

Answering a query regarding the confirmation of the news, the CBSE issued an official statement regarding the matter.

“This information is correct. The decision has been taken in the Governing Body Meeting held in 2023 and the pilot will be conducted soon . For details you can check GB minutes ( curriculum committee minutes) December 2023 on the website,” the statement reads.

The open book exam allows students to take their books, study materials and notes and refer from them during the examination. The new system was brought aimed at assessing the students” ability to analyse concepts and check their subject understandings rather than making it a memory test.

As per the minutes of the discussion, it has been directed to create the open book test in English, science, Mathematics and Biology. It would first undergo a pilot phase in schools to evaluate various aspects. The minutes of the open book examination discussion noted the comments from different faculties and members.

Professor Jyoti Sharma raised queries regarding CBSE’s strategy for training teachers to endorse the new plan while highlighting the importance of preparedness to face the challenges that may come across during the process.
The CBSE chairperson has however assured to consider the stakeholder”s inputs in the proposed plan’s implementation.