The implementation of Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 pupils, beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, has been formally approved by the Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE). By the National Curriculum Framework for school education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seek to encourage competency-based learning and lessen reliance on rote memorization, the board's Governing Body approved the decision on june 25.
About The New System
OBAs will be incorporated into the three pen-and-paper tests that are given each term under the new system, which covers fundamental disciplines like language, math, science, and social science. The effort aims to reduce students' exam-related stress, promote critical thinking, and stimulate the practical application of principles.
The CBSE curriculum committee initially examined the concept in november 2023, and later that year, it was approved. The board ran a trial experiment in a few schools to determine its viability. The tests were trialed in English, math, and science for Classes 9 and 10, and in English, math, and biology for Classes 11 and 12. The pilot's objectives were to gauge stakeholder input, time management, and student performance.
The study's conclusions showed that students' scores ranged from 12% to 47%, with many having trouble grasping multidisciplinary concepts and using reference materials efficiently. Nonetheless, educators maintained their optimism regarding the system's capacity to improve higher-order thinking abilities.
For open-book testing, CBSE will offer a comprehensive framework, organized instructions, and standardized sample papers to facilitate a seamless adoption. At first, it is unlikely that all schools will be required to use the exams, giving them leeway in their implementation.
CBSE has already experimented with a similar strategy. It implemented the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11 from 2014–15 to 2016–17. However, it was eventually dropped due to conflicting feedback from teachers and students.
Open-book assessments, as opposed to traditional exams, let students refer to their textbooks and other authorized sources while taking the test. A move away from memorization-focused learning, the format is intended to assess conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and the capacity to apply knowledge in various circumstances.
About The New System
OBAs will be incorporated into the three pen-and-paper tests that are given each term under the new system, which covers fundamental disciplines like language, math, science, and social science. The effort aims to reduce students' exam-related stress, promote critical thinking, and stimulate the practical application of principles.
The CBSE curriculum committee initially examined the concept in november 2023, and later that year, it was approved. The board ran a trial experiment in a few schools to determine its viability. The tests were trialed in English, math, and science for Classes 9 and 10, and in English, math, and biology for Classes 11 and 12. The pilot's objectives were to gauge stakeholder input, time management, and student performance.
The study's conclusions showed that students' scores ranged from 12% to 47%, with many having trouble grasping multidisciplinary concepts and using reference materials efficiently. Nonetheless, educators maintained their optimism regarding the system's capacity to improve higher-order thinking abilities.
For open-book testing, CBSE will offer a comprehensive framework, organized instructions, and standardized sample papers to facilitate a seamless adoption. At first, it is unlikely that all schools will be required to use the exams, giving them leeway in their implementation.
CBSE has already experimented with a similar strategy. It implemented the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11 from 2014–15 to 2016–17. However, it was eventually dropped due to conflicting feedback from teachers and students.
Open-book assessments, as opposed to traditional exams, let students refer to their textbooks and other authorized sources while taking the test. A move away from memorization-focused learning, the format is intended to assess conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and the capacity to apply knowledge in various circumstances.
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