New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – In a significant move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the introduction of open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic year. 19 This decision, cleared by the board’s Governing Body in June 2025, aims to foster competency-based learning and reduce the emphasis on memorization that has long dominated India’s education system.

The new format will allow students to refer to textbooks, class notes, and other approved resources during exams, focusing instead on their ability to interpret, analyze, and apply knowledge. 20 Core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science will be covered under this system, which will form part of the three pen-and-paper tests conducted each academic term. Notably, the adoption of open-book exams will be optional for schools, giving institutions flexibility in implementation. 19

Pilot Study Paves the Way

The approval follows a successful pilot project conducted in November-December 2023 across select schools, involving Classes 9 and 10 for English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as Classes 11 and 12 for English, Mathematics, and Biology. 20 During the trial, student performance varied between 12% and 47%, but teachers expressed optimism about the format’s potential to enhance critical thinking skills. 19 The pilot evaluated factors like completion time and stakeholder feedback, building on lessons from CBSE’s earlier experiment with Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11 from 2014 to 2017, which was discontinued due to limited success.

CBSE plans to support the rollout with standardized sample papers, comprehensive guidelines, teacher training programs, and structured resources to help schools integrate OBAs into their internal evaluation systems. 19 This initiative draws from the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which criticizes traditional assessments for promoting rote learning and exam-related fear, advocating instead for formats that accommodate diverse learning styles.

Benefits and Challenges Ahead

Proponents argue that open-book exams will reduce student stress and encourage deeper understanding. Research cited in educational studies, including a 2000 Norwegian analysis, suggests that such formats help students connect ideas rather than merely recall facts, potentially leading to better long-term retention and application of knowledge. 20 A pilot at AIIMS Bhubaneswar found medical students reporting lower stress levels, while a Cambridge University Press study involving 98 students showed 78.6% passing rates, with many describing the experience as “stress-free.” 20

However, challenges remain. Critics point out that students may initially prepare superficially, as observed in a 2004 Hong Kong study where first-time takers spent less time analyzing questions. 20 Educators emphasize the need for specialized training to design questions that test higher-order thinking, warning that without proper preparation, the system could falter. In Bengaluru and UAE-based CBSE schools, administrators have welcomed the change but stressed the importance of robust teacher training to ensure effective execution. 22

Public Reactions and Broader Implications

The announcement has sparked lively discussions on social media. One educator humorously noted, “There was a time when this was called cheating,” highlighting the cultural shift required. 23 Others see it as an “upgrade” rather than a shortcut, freeing up time for creativity and real-world skills. 31 Globally, open-book exams have been in use since Hong Kong’s adoption in 1953, and India’s move could position it as a leader in innovative assessment under NEP 2020.

As CBSE prepares to roll out this reform, it represents a bold step toward an education system that values comprehension over cramming. While the full impact will unfold in the coming years, experts believe it could benefit diverse learners, particularly those who struggle with traditional memory-based tests. For now, students, teachers, and parents await further official guidelines to navigate this transformative change.