The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the proposal to introduce Open Book Assessment (OBA) in Class IX starting from the academic session 2026–27. This change aims to shift the focus from rote memorization to conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and analytical skills among students.
Principals of several CBSE schools in the capital, including Dr. Prerna Mitra, Principal of GD Goenka Public School, Lucknow, have welcomed the decision, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. The initiative is expected to reduce exam fear, allow students to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills, and encourage practical application of knowledge.
According to Dr. Mitra, incorporating open book assessment is a positive shift in education. It will reduce the tendency of students to rely on memorization and instead enhance their ability to comprehend, analyze, and apply concepts to real-life situations. She emphasized that students will learn to solve complex problems and conduct case study analyses—skills vital for future academic and professional success.
For example, instead of merely writing formulas in science, students may be required to apply them to practical scenarios. This approach will help learners connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications. However, Dr. Mitra noted that this will also require training teachers to design effective questions and guide students on how to make optimal use of the open book format.
While the benefits are clear, time management during exams may pose a challenge, as students could spend extra time referring to materials. Schools will need to prepare students to balance understanding with exam strategy.
The open book assessment model aligns with GD Goenka Public School’s vision of progressive and holistic education, which prioritizes skill development alongside academic excellence. As one of the best CBSE schools in Lucknow, GD Goenka is already known for integrating innovative learning methodologies into its curriculum.
By 2026–27, this shift in assessment is expected to reshape the learning culture—moving away from rote learning towards deeper comprehension, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
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