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The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is piloting an open book exams format for classes IX and XI. This pilot program will assess the effectiveness of open-book examinations.
Traditionally, CBSE exams have focused on memorization. This pilot program signifies a move towards a competency-based assessment model. The board aims to increase the weightage of such questions to nearly 50% for Class X and XII exams in the future.
Pilot Details
- Grades: Open book exams will be piloted for CBSE classes IX and XI only during the 2024-25 academic year.
- Limited Scope: Initially planned for six subjects across grades IX-XII, the pilot now focuses on a select few subjects in classes IX and XI. Specific subjects haven’t been announced yet.
- Phased Approach: This year’s pilot will involve a small number of schools. A larger-scale pilot is planned for the 2025-26 academic year.
Evaluation Focus
The pilot program will assess various aspects of open-book exams, including:
- Time taken for completion by students
- Suitability for formative and summative assessment (learning progress and final evaluation)
- Feedback from students, teachers, and parents
This initiative reflects CBSE‘s commitment to evolve its assessment methods to promote critical thinking and application of knowledge rather than rote learning.
