CBSE charts new plan; Open-book exams for class 9 from 2026-27 academic year

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) decided to implement open-book examinations in class 9 from the next academic year (2026-27). The exams will be for subjects such as language studies, mathematics, science and social studies. The CBSE Governing Council, which met on June 25, approved this plan. If successful, the move will be implemented up to class 12 in subsequent years.

For the open-book exam, students can take textbooks, class notes, and library books to the exam hall for reference. They can analyse the information from these and write answers to the questions. The questions will not be prepared in a way for students to get to the answers solely with the help of formulas.

Instead of measuring memory, the aim is to develop critical thinking, develop the ability to use ideas in real life, and reduce the stress induced by exams. This is part of the suggestion included in the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023.

In 2023, an open-book examination was conducted on an experimental basis from classes 9 to 12. It was conducted in English, Mathematics and Science subjects in classes 9 and 10 and English, Mathematics and Biology subjects in classes 11 and 12. The performance of the students, the time taken to write the examination, and the comments of the teachers and students were evaluated. The scores of the students ranged from 12 to 47 per cent.

Exam stress will be reduced

1. Open books will reduce the exam stress of the students

2. The method of memorisation will be improved, and critical thinking skills will be developed

3. The ability to use ideas in life will be enhanced