Exams have always been one of the biggest stress points for students in India. But the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is now exploring a big change for Class 9 students. It is are coming up with open-book assessments.

Will it make exams less stressful? Or will it lead to weaker learning foundations?

What is CBSE’s Open-Book Assessment Plan?

An open-book exam means students are allowed to refer to their textbooks or other study material while writing the test.

With this initiative, student’s focus would shift more towards understanding concepts and applying knowledge.

CBSE plans start it with Class 9 and 11 students.

Why is CBSE Considering Open-Book Exams?

The main aim behind this program is to reduce exam stress.

Open-book assessments could help students relax and focus more on understanding the topics rather than just memorising it.

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Benefits of Open-Book Exams for Class 9

1.Students don’t need to panic about forgetting small details. This reduces exam anxiety.

1. Instead of mugging up facts, students will need to understand concepts deeply to apply them during the test.
2. The use of resources and references will help them in real life jobs.
3. Students may learn to organize notes better.

Concerns About Open-Book Assessments

1.Some fear students may stop studying properly, thinking “I can just look it up in the exam.”

2.Looking through books during the exam might take longer, especially if students are not well-prepared.

3.Designing open-book questions is not easy. Teachers will need to frame application-based questions.

How Open-Book Assessments Work

Globally, open-book assessments are not new. Universities and schools in countries like the US, UK, and Singapore already use them.

Instead of asking, “What is the definition of photosynthesis?”, the paper may ask: “Explain how photosynthesis impacts climate change and give two real-life examples.”

In this case, copying from the book won’t work. Students will have to apply knowledge.

Less Stress or Less Learning?

If students and teachers adapt well, it could reduce stress and improve conceptual clarity. But if students misuse it as a shortcut, it may weaken their learning foundations.

Ultimately, it will depend on how schools implement the plan and how seriously students prepare.

What Parents and Students Can Do

• Open-book doesn’t mean no study. Understanding concepts is still essential. Let. The children focus on why and how, instead of just what.
• Learn to highlight and summarize.
• Schools can Encourage project-based and case-study-based practice to prepare students for this new style of assessment.

The question is not just about less stress or less learning. It’s about changing the way we think about education.