Starting from the academic year 2026-27, CBSE students of Class 9 will be allowed to appear for examinations with their textbooks. With the aim of reducing exam stress, the CBSE is introducing the Open Book Assessment (OBA) scheme from the next session. This will eliminate the need for rote learning and encourage skill-based education.

According to the Curriculum Committee and Governing Body's proposal, students will be allowed to carry their textbooks in the written exams of three core subjects each session — languages, mathematics, science, and social science. This decision was taken in the governing body's meeting held in June.

This decision is based on a pilot study that did not include additional reading materials and tested students only on curriculum-related topics. In that study, students scored between 12% and 47%, highlighting both the potential and challenges in understanding interdisciplinary concepts and using resources effectively.

To ensure quality, CBSE will also prepare sample papers and guide students on how to understand reference materials. The board hopes that this move will help reduce exam stress, strengthen conceptual understanding, and promote practical application of knowledge.

Although CBSE will recommend this model to schools, implementation will not be mandatory.

What is Open Book Assessment?

According to the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), an open book test is one where students are allowed access to resources and references (like textbooks, class notes, library books) while answering exam questions. These tests aim to assess students' ability to process information, apply it in various contexts, and shift focus away from rote memorization to application and analysis.