According to a CBSE document outlining the pilot, the purpose is to evaluate various aspects of this assessment method. These include assessing the time students require to complete the exam, its suitability for both formative and summative purposes, and gathering feedback from stakeholders.
Initially, the pilot was intended 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 now been narrowed down.
Himanshu Gupta, the board’s secretary, clarified 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.”
Gupta emphasized that the aim is to shift 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.”
The introduction of open-book examinations marks a significant departure from traditional testing methods, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and application of knowledge among students. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by educational bodies to modernize assessment practices in line 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.This move by CBSE underscores a broader trend towards redefining educational assessments to better prepare students for challenges beyond the classroom, emphasizing skills that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
Stay tuned for further updates as CBSE progresses with its pilot open-book examination initiative.
