GUWAHATI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is contemplating the implementation of Open Book Examinations (OBE) for students of Classes 9 to 12, aligning with the recommendations of the latest National Curriculum Framework, as per media reports.
CBSE has proposed a trial run of open-book tests in select schools for English, Mathematics, and Science for Classes 9 and 10, and English, Mathematics, and Biology for Classes 11 and 12. The pilot aims to gauge students' response and the time taken to complete such exams.
While open-book exams allow students to refer to their study material during the test, they are not necessarily easier, reports stated. CBSE emphasises that OBEs assess higher-order thinking skills, including critical and creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and application and analysis of concepts.
As per reports, CBSE plans to finalise the design and development of the OBE pilot by June and seeks guidance from Delhi University (DU), which introduced open book tests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultation process aims to address concerns raised by students, particularly those from underprivileged and visually challenged backgrounds.
Media reports have further stated that some members of the CBSE curriculum committee suggested benchmarking OBE materials against the standards of the Advanced Placement examination, a renowned college entrance exam in the United States. This benchmarking aims to elevate the quality and rigor of OBE assessments.