CBSE Open-Book Examinations not for 10th, 12th; Pilot project for Class 9, 11

The introduction of CBSE open-book examinations aims to foster a deeper understanding and application of knowledge among students. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by educational bodies to modernize assessment practices in alignment with evolving pedagogical goals.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled plans to introduce pilot open-book examinations for students in Classes IX and XI, marking a significant departure from traditional testing methods. This decision follows the approval of the open-book test plan by the board's governing body during a meeting in December.

Purpose of the Pilot Program

According to a CBSE document outlining the pilot, the objective is to evaluate various aspects of this assessment method. This includes assessing the time required by students to complete the exam, its suitability for both formative and summative purposes, and gathering feedback from stakeholders.

CBSE Open Book Exam 2024 not for 10th, 12th

Initially, the pilot was slated to cover subjects like English, Science, and Mathematics for Classes IX and X, and English, Mathematics, and Biology for Classes XI and XII. However, the scope of the pilot has been narrowed down.

Himanshu Gupta, the board's secretary, provided clarification on the current plan: "It has been decided to conduct the open-book examination pilot only for Classes IX and XI. There will be no open-book exams for Classes X and XII in the upcoming academic year. The pilot will commence this year in select schools, with a broader implementation planned for the academic year 2025-26."

Shift towards Competency-Based Assessment

Gupta emphasized that the aim is to transition towards competency-based assessment. "In recent years, we have been increasing the weightage of such questions to encourage critical thinking over rote learning. Ultimately, the goal is to have competency-based questions constitute nearly 50% of the assessments for Class X and XII."

Implications and Future Directions

The introduction of open-book examinations aims to foster a deeper understanding and application of knowledge among students. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by educational bodies to modernize assessment practices in alignment with evolving pedagogical goals.

The pilot program will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness and gather insights from educators, students, and parents alike. As CBSE continues to explore innovative approaches to education, the outcomes of this pilot could potentially influence future assessment strategies nationwide.

Redefining Educational Assessments

This move by CBSE underscores a broader trend towards redefining educational assessments to better prepare students for challenges beyond the classroom. It emphasizes skills that are increasingly vital in today's rapidly changing world.

Read More:

• CBSE issues warning against Misleading Information on Sample Papers, Syllabus, Question Papers