CBSE Proposes Open Book Exam 2025: Meaning & Pilot Exam Date for Class 9 to 12
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approved the Open Book Examination (OBE) for students in Class 9. Although the board’s governing body had initially approved the plan to introduce open-book exams for all secondary classes (Classes 9 to 12) in December 2023, it has now opted not to extend the pilot to Classes 10, 11 and 12 for the academic year 2025-26.
Read the Latest News on CBSE Open Book Exams Here.
This Story also Contains
- Open Book Exam Meaning
- CBSE Clarification on Open Book Exam
- Latest Update on CBSE Board Exams 2026
The CBSE has recently approved the integration of open-book assessments (OBAs) into Class 9 internal examinations, beginning in the 2026–27 academic session. This decision, ratified by the board’s Governing Body in June, will make OBAs a component of the three pen-and-paper assessments conducted each term across core subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The move follows a successful pilot study that focused on cross-cutting themes within the curriculum and intentionally avoided introducing new reading materials, affirming the potential of OBAs to foster critical thinking over rote memorisation
Open Book Exam Meaning
An open book examination is a test where students can refer to textbooks, notes or other approved resources while answering questions in the examination. These exams focus more on critical thinking and assess the student’s ability to process or use available information and apply it in various contexts. As per CBSE’s OBE design strategy, the OBE is supposed to test higher-order thinking skills, application, analysis, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities of the students.
CBSE Clarification on Open Book Exam
In its December 2023 meeting, the CBSE governing body approved a recommendation from the curriculum committee to introduce open-book tests or assessments for secondary students (Classes 9–12) in select subjects.
According to the proposal, “The tests may be piloted in schools to evaluate various aspects, such as the time students take to complete them, their suitability for formative or summative assessments, and stakeholders' perceptions regarding the initiative.”
The committee initially focused on developing and reviewing open book assessments for six subjects: English, science, and mathematics for Classes 9 and 10, and English, mathematics, and biology for Classes 11 and 12. However, the scope of the pilot has now been narrowed.
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Latest Update on CBSE Board Exams 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education will release the CBSE Board exam date sheet 2025. The CBSE 10th and 12th exams are set to commence on February 17, 2026. All the latest information on CBSE board exams 2025 can be found by clicking on the link provided.
Questions related to CBSE Class 12th
On Question asked by student community
Hi Manish,
Here is the link of question paper
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-class-12-english-question-paper-2025
Hi Aradhana
Here is the link of Question Paper
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-class-12-supplementary-question-paper-2026
Hello Dear Student,
If you've passed Class 10 from CBSE and don't remember your registration number , you can retrieve it using one of these methods:
- Check your Class 10 admit card – the registration number is printed on it.
- Look at your school records – your school should have
Hello,
Yes, if you have passed Class 12 but wish to improve your Mathematics marks, you can apply for the CBSE Improvement Examination, subject to the eligibility criteria and registration schedule notified by CBSE. Please keep checking the official CBSE website for the latest notification regarding registration dates and examination
Hello Ananya,
Please specify the class for which you need the question papers. I am providing Class 10 and 12 papers.
Here are the links to the CBSE Half-yearly Question Papers (2025-2026).