CBSE Approves Open Book Exams for Class 9 to Reduce Student Stress
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a major step to reduce the academic burden on Class 9 students by approving the introduction of open-book examinations. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, students in Class 9 will be allowed to refer to their textbooks during exams. Until now, three exams were conducted during the academic year using only pen and paper, without any external reference materials. Under the new system, students will be able to write answers while referring to their books.
Proposal Approved by Governing Body
According to media reports, the proposal was approved in June during a meeting of CBSE’s Governing Body the apex decision-making authority responsible for policy making, administration, academic standards, and examination systems.
Three Paper-Based Exams per Term
Under the new format, Class 9 students will have three paper-based exams each term, covering core subjects such as Hindi, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The proposal is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Sources suggest that while open-book exams will be included as part of internal assessments, it is unlikely they will be made mandatory for all schools.
What is an Open-Book Exam?
As per NCFSE-2023 guidelines, an open-book exam is a format where students are allowed to use subject textbooks, personal notes, and other resources while answering questions. The main objective is to encourage conceptual understanding and application of knowledge in different situations, rather than relying solely on memorization. The idea is to discourage rote learning and promote real understanding, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
