CBSE likely to introduce Open Book Exam- What is OBE and who will be at risk?

As per the recommendations of the new National Curriculum Framework, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is likely to introduce the Open Book Examination (OBE) system for students of Classes 9 to 12. The education board will start the pilot study before the final kick to the initiative.

The pilot study will consist of open-book tests in schools for English, Mathematics and Science for Classes 9 and 10 and English, Mathematics and Biology for Classes 11 and 12. To evaluate the results, the authorities will undertake the time taken by students to complete such tests and stakeholders’ responses.

What is OBE?

According to The Indian Express, in an open-book examination (OBE), students are permitted to bring along their notes, textbooks, and other study materials to consult during the test. However, OBEs are often more challenging than closed-book exams, as they assess a student’s understanding of a subject and their ability to analyze and apply concepts, rather than simply testing memorization skills.

The proposed pilot for OBEs is scheduled to take place in November-December this year. Based on the outcomes of this trial, the Board will determine whether to implement this form of assessment across all its schools for Classes 9 to 12. The pilot aims to evaluate higher-order thinking skills, including application, analysis, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

The Board aims to finalize the design and development of the OBE pilot by June and has decided to seek consultation from Delhi University (DU) in this regard. Despite facing opposition, DU introduced open-book tests in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had disrupted the academic calendar.

Challenge for PwD students

Concerns were raised by students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds and the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, including visually challenged students, who may lack access to the internet and necessary infrastructure for online exams.

However, the Delhi High Court permitted DU to conduct OBEs for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students. Regular students were allotted three hours for the examination, with an additional hour for scanning and uploading answer sheets, while PwD students were given six hours for the examination.