The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce open-book examinations for Class 9 students from the 2026–27 academic session. The decision was taken in June 2025 during a high-level board meeting, following a pilot study that showed strong teacher support for the move.
Subjects and Format
The open-book format will apply to key subjects — Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Languages. These assessments will be integrated into the three pen-and-paper tests conducted each term, replacing the conventional closed-book method.
Policy Alignment
This reform is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, both of which emphasise critical thinking and application-based learning over rote memorisation.
Implementation Plan
CBSE will develop standardised sample papers to ensure quality and fairness across schools. The curriculum committee first discussed this proposal in November 2023, granting its initial approval the same year. The current clearance paves the way for nationwide implementation.
With this change, CBSE aims to make assessments more analytical, encourage deeper understanding, and better prepare students for higher education and real-world problem-solving.
Also read: CBSE Board Exam 2026: APAAR ID Mandatory, Exam Fees Revised
