CBSE Class 9 Open Book Exams to Begin in 2026-27 Academic Session

CBSE Class 9 Open Book Exams to begin in the 2026-27 academic session by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This new evaluation method will be incorporated into the pen-and-paper assessments conducted each term, covering core subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The decision follows a successful pilot study that indicated strong support from teachers for open-book assessments.

This move aligns with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasise reducing rote memorisation and promoting critical thinking and conceptual understanding. The CBSE curriculum committee reviewed and approved this plan in November 2023, with the proposal formally ratified in June 2025.

Key Highlights of CBSE Class 9 Open Book Exams

The following are the key points about the upcoming CBSE Class 9 open-book exams starting in the 2026-27 academic session. These highlights explain the exam structure, objectives, and the rationale behind this new assessment approach.

• Assessment Integration: Open book exams will be integrated as one of the three term assessments for major subjects, including language, mathematics, science, and social science.
• Educational Rationale: The proposal aims to align the CBSE’s evaluation process with the NCF 2023 and NEP 2020 goals, focusing on developing analytical skills and fostering a deeper understanding.
• Implementation Plan: CBSE will prepare standardised sample papers to ensure quality and consistency while encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills.

This shift aims to reduce exam stress for students by allowing them to refer to textbooks and notes during exams, thereby fostering a learning environment that focuses on application and reasoning rather than memorisation.