NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a pilot project to hold open-book examinations (OBE) for classes 9 to 12 in subjects like English, Science, Mathematics and Biology, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).
The NCF-SE is one of the key components of NEP 2020. It focuses on knowledge development with genuine understanding, fundamental capacities such as critical thinking and creativity. Under this, assessment and exams at all levels will be transformed, enabling genuine learning and reducing stress.
The board is considering trials of the OBE in selected schools for classes 9 to 12 this year. However, the officials said there is no plan to adopt the OBE format in board exams.
Under open book exams format, students can access textbooks and other relevant resources to answer the questions asked in the test. These tests are usually composed of conceptual and analytical questions that make students read and interpret multiple texts, and apply the concept.
In last year’s meeting, the CBSE Director (academic assessment) had outlined the board’s plan to map new content. It would comprise visual aids, diverging from curriculum-linked case-based questions to explore content beyond syllabus. However, according to experts, challenges persist in developing high-quality textual materials, ensuring student understanding and acceptance of this new assessment method.
Meanwhile, the Delhi University adopted the online OBE format for examinations amid the Covid-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. However, it resumed the normal pen and paper format in 2022.