Open book exams for class 9: All about CBSE's new policy approval for 2026-27

Representative image

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a proposal to include open book exams for class 9 in the 2026-278 academic session. This has come after a pilot study showed that teachers are open to supporting such assessments. The integration of such exams was approved by the CBSE's Governing Body, which is the highest decision-making authority.

The minutes of the meeting that was held in June said that the propsal includes the integration of open book examinations in class 9 “as part of three pen-paper assessments per term” and would cover subjects like language, mathematics, science and social science.

• The Proposal

The Indian Express has reported that the proposal of the new examination includes the integration of all such examinations in Class 9 as part of three pen-paper assessments per term”. It will cover subjects like social science, mathematics, language and science.

• Approval

The proposal to integrate open book examination in Class 9 is reportedly in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“An open-book test is one where the students have access to resources and references (e.g., textbooks, class notes, library books) while answering questions," the NCFSE states.

"These tests assess the ability to process or use available information and apply the same in various contexts. These tests shift the focus from recall to application and synthesis," it adds.

• How was the proposal approved?

The CBSE approved the project after a pilot study showed teacher support for such examinations. The pilot study revealed “performance challenges but also teacher support for OBAs,” the governing body noted, the Indian Express reported. “Analysis of student performance revealed scores ranging from 12 per cent to 47 per cent, indicating challenges in effectively utilising resources and grasping interdisciplinary concepts," the study said, adding, “Despite these hurdles, teachers expressed optimism about OBAs (open-book assessments), noting their potential to foster critical thinking."

• The plan ahead

Since the project is now approved, reports suggest that the CBSE will now work on developing standardised sample papers to ensure question quality and promote critical thinking.