The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is exploring the possibility of conducting open-book exams (OBE) as part of innovative assessment methods in select schools for classes 9 to 12. The proposal aligns with the new national curriculum framework (NCF) recommendations, emphasizing the incorporation of inventive evaluation approaches. However, it’s essential to note that there are no plans to implement the OBE format in CBSE’s class 10 and 12 board examinations.
Discussions regarding the OBE pilot were held during the CBSE curriculum committee meeting in November of the previous year. The idea is currently in the ideation phase and is intended for internal exams to foster innovative thinking among students. The proposed pilot run aims to introduce open-book tests in subjects like English, Science, Mathematics, and Biology for classes 9 to 12. This initiative aligns with the principles of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).
Open-book exams permit students to use textbooks and relevant resources to answer questions, typically focusing on conceptual and analytical aspects. These assessments require students to engage with multiple texts, interpret information, and apply concepts.
The suggested timeline for designing the tests for select schools is June 2024, with the pilot testing phase scheduled for November-December 2024. It’s crucial to highlight that any decision to adopt this mode of assessment across the board will only occur after considering the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Notably, the Delhi University had previously implemented the online OBE format for examinations during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021. The CBSE’s exploration of open-book exams reflects an ongoing commitment to modernize and enhance assessment methods in line with evolving educational frameworks.
