CBSE to Introduce Open-Book Exams for Class 9 from 2026-27 Under NEP Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce open-book examinations for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines.

The new system aims to shift focus from rote learning to conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and application-based knowledge. Students will be allowed to refer to textbooks, notes, or other approved materials during the exam. The pilot phase is expected to begin in select schools, followed by a broader rollout.

CBSE Open-Book Exams for Class 9 from 2026-27

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant reform in its examination pattern with the introduction of open-book exams for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session, in accordance with the directives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This move marks a strategic shift in India's school assessment system, aiming to reduce the dependency on rote memorization and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills among students.

Under the open-book exam format, students will be permitted to consult their textbooks, class notes, or other officially approved study materials while answering questions during the examination. This system is designed to test a student's ability to understand concepts, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and interpret information rather than merely recall facts.

Initially, CBSE plans to conduct a pilot run in selected schools across different regions of India to assess the feasibility, challenges, and benefits of the open-book examination system. Feedback from educators, students, and parents will be used to refine the format before its full-scale implementation.

The NEP 2020 emphasizes competency-based learning and a holistic assessment approach, encouraging the development of higher-order cognitive skills. Open-book exams align perfectly with these objectives by promoting a more relaxed, practical, and application-oriented examination environment. CBSE officials have stated that Class 9 was chosen for this initiative as it serves as a foundation year for secondary education, giving students time to adapt to this new evaluation method before appearing for board-level examinations in higher classes.

The introduction of open-book exams also aims to reduce exam-related stress and anxiety, as students will no longer need to memorize vast portions of the syllabus. Instead, they will focus on understanding concepts and mastering the application of knowledge. Moreover, this evaluation pattern is expected to encourage collaborative learning, improve reading and comprehension skills, and nurture an academic environment where learning is prioritized over scoring.

Experts believe that if implemented effectively, this system could significantly improve the quality of education in India by fostering curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking. However, challenges such as ensuring uniformity in assessment standards, avoiding misuse of resources during exams, and training teachers to frame analytical and application-based questions will need to be addressed.

In the long run, CBSE aims to expand the open-book exam model to higher classes and possibly to board exams, ensuring a more progressive, learner-friendly assessment ecosystem that aligns with global educational standards.