CBSE Open Book Exam: CBSE will bring an open book exam, how will the papers be and will cheating be stopped?

CBSE Open Book Exam: CBSE will start open book exam in class 9 from 2026-27, in which students will be able to write answers with the help of books and notes. The objective of this initiative is to strengthen the thinking, analytical ability and understanding of the students by reducing the habit of rote learning.

CBSE Open Book Exam: Making a big change, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to start open book exam in class 9 from the academic session 2026-27. This means that now students will be able to take the help of books and notes during the examination. This step has been taken under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCFSE) 2023. Its main objective is to increase the understanding and analytical ability of the students by reducing the habit of rote learning.

How will open book exams be conducted?

For class 9 students, three pen-paper tests in each session in language, mathematics, science and social science will be in open book format. These exams will be conducted in the school. Students will be able to bring their subject books and notes to the examination hall and write answers with their help. However, understanding the information in the book and writing the answer by analyzing it correctly will depend on the thinking ability of the students. These exams will be a part of internal assessment and their marks will be added to the final result.

Less chance of cheating

The possibility of cheating in open book exams is considered to be very low, because students already have books. In such a situation, their focus will be on finding the correct and accurate answer instead of wasting time. Also, with the permission to bring their own notes, students will be able to prepare them according to their need.

Benefits and objectives

According to NCFSE, its purpose is to check how students understand and use the information obtained from the book or notes. This will promote concept-based learning instead of rote learning.

Pilot test experience

CBSE had conducted a pilot test before implementing it, in which the marks of the students ranged between 12% to 47%. This shows that many students had difficulty in using the resources properly. Teachers believe that with practice and proper guidance, students will be able to perform better in this.