CBSE Proposes Open Book Exam 2025: Meaning & Pilot Exam Date for Class 9 to 12

CBSE Proposes Open Book Exam 2025: Meaning & Pilot Exam Date for Class 9 to 12

Team Careers360Updated on 12 Aug 2025, 11:36 AM IST

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

  1. Open Book Exam Meaning
  2. CBSE Clarification on Open Book Exam
  3. Latest Update on CBSE Board Exams 2026
CBSE Proposes Open Book Exam 2025: Meaning & Pilot Exam Date for Class 9 to 12
CBSE Open Book Exam (Image by pressfoto on Freepik)

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.

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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.

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.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.

Hello,

Yes, you can. If you missed the first compartment exam, you can appear in the second compartment exam as per CBSE rules.

Hope it helps !

Hello Prisha

As you have compartment in Mathematics and you wish to change your stream to Humanities you have 2 options from here on:

1. You could try to study and clear your compartment of Mathematics.

2. You can change your stream to Humanities but you will need to repeat from Class 11th so you will need 2 years from now to clear Class 12th.

My personal suggestion will be to choose Option 1. Trust me I have dealt with this feeling myself and wanted to choose Option 2 but I worked hard and cleared my exams. I was scared not only in Mathematics but Physics, Chemistry and even Computer Science.
At last, it's on you what you want to choose.

Thank You!

HELLO,

The GUJCET merit list is calculated by considering 60% of the marks obtained in Class 12 and 40% of the GUJCET score. CBSE students are also eligible to compete with GSEB students, as the merit list is prepared by combining the Class 12 scores with the GUJCET performance.

Merit Calculation:
  • The merit list is calculated by combining the scores from both class and the GUJCET exam
  • This means that both your performance in the class 12 board exams and the GUJCET exam are considered when determining your rank

CBSE Students and GUJCET:

  • CBSE students can appear for the GUJCET exam, even though they are not from the Gujrat Board
  • For CBSE students, the 60% weightage for class 12 marks will be based on their performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their class 12 board exams
  • The remaining 40% weightage will be given to their GUJCET score.

Hope this Helps!

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, your CBSE migration certificate from March 2024 is totally good for reporting in 2025. These certificates do not randomly expire or anything. As long as you’ve got the real one and it is not scribbled then it is fine. No one’s gonna hassle you about the date, just make sure it’s in decent shape and you’re all set.