Latest news with #NCFSE2023
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
‘Open-book exam fine, but with analytical questions'
Noida: Schools have welcomed CBSE's decision to implement an open-book exam for Class 9 from the academic year 2026-27. Principals believe that students will gain a deeper understanding of subjects, provided schools maintain integrity and questions are analytical, conceptual, and application-based. CBSE's decision came following the results of a pilot study conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of such a model. A framework and guidelines on how to conduct open-book exams effectively will be suggested to the schools. However, the implementation will not be mandatory. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida Seema Jerath, principal of DLF School, Ghaziabad, and one of CBSE's master trainers in the pilot project, said, "Students have to extract the right information from the textbooks, and to do that, higher-order thinking skills have to be there. For an open-book exam, the question patterns need to be aligned with the policy first. Though this is a very good step, we're only 50% ready in terms of competency. Implementing it in the next academic year is risky. Teachers need time to understand the framework, plan the execution, and evaluate fairly." She stressed that the new format must go beyond surface-level questioning. "The right kind of research and planning is needed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Have No Words For Dog The Bounty Hunter's Transformation Paperela Undo Questions must test analytical skills and evaluation—not simply allow students to lift answers from textbooks," she added. Aditi Basu Roy, principal of Grad International School, Noida, underscored the need for ethical implementation. "The exam process must be handled with integrity. While open-book exams do exist in law, they must not become shortcuts," she told TOI. Some teachers also called the decision 'progressive and much-needed'. The initiative aligns with the vision of the NEP 2020 and the NCFSE 2023, as it moves the focus from rote memorisation to deep conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge. "CBSE has already implemented Open Text Based Assessment (OTBA), which helps students engage more deeply with content, make cross-curricular connections, and develop analytical skills beyond textbook learning. Building on that experience, the new open-book assessment framework is poised to further nurture critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, while reducing exam-related stress and making assessments more meaningful and relevant for the 21st-century learner," said Neha Sharma, principal of Apeejay School, Noida. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Attention students: CBSE to allow Class 9 students to use books for writing exam answers, plan is to...
CBSE students- File image New Delhi: In a significant development for CBSE students all across the country, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will introduce open book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic session. Here are all the details you need to know about the open book assessment and how CBSE will conduct it. According to the minutes the governing body's meeting in June, the NCFSE 2023 'underscores the need to transition from rote memorisation to competency-based learning, with OBAs serving as a catalyst for this shift.' What is open book assessment? As a part of the Open book assessment, students are given questions where they they can take help of books in writing their answers. The board hopes that this initiative will reduce exam stress and strengthen conceptual understanding. How will CBSE implement open book assessments? The strategy, approved by the curriculum committee and ratified by the governing body, proposes that OBAs be part of the three pen-paper tests conducted each term in languages, mathematics, science and social science. The decision draws on a pilot study that avoided additional reading materials and tested cross-cutting themes from the curriculum. Student scores ranged from 12 per cent to 47 per cent, revealing 'challenges in effectively utilising resources and grasping interdisciplinary concepts.' Despite this, the minutes note that 'teachers expressed optimism about OBAs, noting their potential to foster critical thinking.' How will CBSE conduct Open Book exam? To ensure quality, CBSE will develop standardised sample papers and provide structured guidance to help students navigate reference materials and apply knowledge contextually. The board expects the initiative to reduce exam stress, encourage real-world application of knowledge, and strengthen conceptual understanding. (With inputs from agencies)
News18
6 days ago
- General
- News18
CBSE To Introduce Open Book Assessment For Class 9 From 2026-27 Session
Last Updated: CBSE will start open-book assessments for Class 9 from 2026-27, per NCFSE 2023 and NEP 2020, aiming to shift from rote memorisation to competency-based learning. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a proposal to introduce open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The decision, approved by the board's Governing Body in June, is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aim to shift the focus from rote memorisation to competency-based learning. What's In the New System? Under the new system, OBAs will be integrated into the three pen-paper assessments conducted each term, covering core subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Students can refer to textbooks, class notes, and approved resources during the assessments. The Pilot Study The move is based on a pilot study that excluded additional reading materials and assessed cross-cutting themes from the syllabus. The idea was first reviewed by the CBSE curriculum committee in November 2023 and received approval later that year. To assess its feasibility, the board conducted a pilot project in select schools. Student scores ranged from 12 per cent to 47 per cent, revealing 'challenges in effectively utilising resources and grasping interdisciplinary concepts." The study showed that teachers are open to supporting such assessments. 'Despite these hurdles, teachers expressed optimism about OBAs (open-book assessments), noting their potential to foster critical thinking." CBSE To Develop Sample Papers To ensure quality, CBSE will develop standardised sample papers and provide structured guidance to help students navigate reference materials and apply knowledge contextually. The board expects the initiative to reduce exam stress, encourage real-world application of knowledge, and strengthen conceptual understanding. This is not the first time CBSE has experimented with this. Between 2014-15 and 2016-17, it introduced the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) for Classes 9 and 11, which was later discontinued after mixed responses from students and educators. (With inputs from agencies) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
CBSE to introduce open-book exams for Class 9 from 2026-27 under NEP guidelines
CBSE introduces open-book assessments in Class 9 aligned with NCFSE 2023. (AI Image) NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the implementation of open-book assessments for Class 9 students starting from the 2026-27 academic session. The decision was taken following the results of a pilot study conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of such a model in schools. According to media reports, the CBSE Governing Body, the board's highest decision-making authority, approved the proposal at a meeting held in June. The initiative is aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Framework and structure of the assessment As per the approved plan, open-book exams will be integrated into internal assessments conducted by schools for Class 9. These assessments will be part of the three pen-paper evaluations carried out in each academic term. The core subjects included in this format will be language, mathematics, science, and social science. While the framework will be recommended to schools, its implementation will not be mandatory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lana Green Is Retiring - Her Final Jewelry Pieces Are 80% Off Artisan Weekly Read More Undo It will instead serve as a model to guide schools that choose to adopt this mode of assessment. Schools will be provided with guidelines on how to conduct open-book exams effectively. Objective and basis for the move The CBSE's move is based on recommendations outlined in the NCFSE, which emphasises the need to move away from rote memorisation and towards competency-based learning. Open-book assessments are described in the framework as a method to test students' ability to interpret, apply, and analyse information rather than merely recall facts. The open-book format allows students to refer to resources such as textbooks, class notes, and library materials while attempting questions. This model is intended to assess their capacity to use available information in varying contexts, which corresponds with the core principles of the NEP 2020. Pilot study and past attempts In December 2023, the CBSE had approved a pilot study to test open-book assessments across Classes 9 to 12. The pilot was designed to evaluate various factors including the time taken to complete the tests and the perceptions of stakeholders such as students, teachers, and school administrators. According to media reports, the study indicated support from teachers for the introduction of open-book formats. This is not the first instance where CBSE has explored open-book assessments. In 2014, the board introduced an Open Text Based Assessment (OTBA) for Class 9 in subjects like Hindi, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. It was also extended to Class 11 for subjects including Economics, Biology, and Geography. In that format, students received reference material four months before the final examination. However, the OTBA was discontinued in the 2017-18 academic session, as it was found not to have significantly enhanced students' critical thinking skills. Implementation and future direction The upcoming framework will aim to build higher-order thinking skills in students and will require schools to be equipped with appropriate capacity and training. The CBSE plans to assist schools by providing structured guidance on how to conduct these assessments as part of their internal evaluation system. The initiative aims to create a more application-based assessment model in alignment with the broader goals of the NEP 2020 and the NCFSE 2023. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
From pre-primary to class 5: CBSE sets stage for teaching in mother tongue, asks schools to map languages
Signalling the Centre's intent to make teaching in the mother tongue mandatory at the primary level in the future, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all affiliated schools to map students' mother tongues 'at the earliest' and align instructional materials accordingly before the end of the summer break. Currently, English is the dominant language of instruction in primary classes in CBSE schools across the country. The CBSE is the largest national school board with over 30,000 schools affiliated to it. The CBSE circular states that from pre-primary to Class 2 — called the 'foundational stage' under the National Education Policy 2020 — teaching should be in the child's home language, mother tongue, or a familiar regional language. This language, referred to as 'R1', should ideally be the mother tongue. If that's not practical, it can be the state language, as long as it's familiar to the child, the circular adds. For classes 3 to 5, the circular says students may continue to learn in R1 (mother tongue/ familiar regional language), or may be given the option of studying in a medium other than R1 (that is, R2). Although the circular, dated May 22, states that teaching in the mother tongue may 'commence from July', it leaves room for flexibility for schools that may need more time to transition. This is the first time the CBSE has indicated it may make mother tongue-based teaching compulsory in its schools. Until now, following the release of the NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, the Board had only encouraged its use through advisory circulars. Both NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 recommend using the mother tongue in early education, especially at the foundational stage, up to the age of eight years. 'Since children learn concepts most rapidly and deeply in their home language, the primary medium of instruction would optimally be the child's home language/ mother tongue/ familiar language,' the NCFSE 2023 states. Students in Classes 1 and 2 primarily study two languages and mathematics, a CBSE official said, adding that the circular means mathematics instruction in these classes can now be in the mother tongue or a familiar regional language. At this stage, the focus is on familiarising students with two spoken languages — R1 and R2 (a language other than R1) — the circular states. A senior official in the Ministry of Education said that NCERT's textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 are already available in 22 Indian languages, and textbooks for higher classes are being translated. The circular asks all schools to form an 'NCF implementation committee' by the end of May. This committee will map students' mother tongues, align language resources, and guide curriculum adjustments. Schools have also been asked to complete the language mapping exercise at the earliest. 'By the end of summer break, schools should achieve realignment of the curriculum and teaching materials to reflect the use of R1 as MoI (medium of instruction), and to ensure structured introduction of R2 at appropriate stage. Teacher orientation and training workshops should also be completed before the implementation begins, focusing on multilingual pedagogy, classroom strategies and language-sensitive assessment,' the circular reads. While implementation may commence from July this year, the circular also states that schools which require time to transition may avail of additional time to ensure resources are available, teachers are allocated, and curriculum is realigned. 'However, care may be taken that the implementation is not inordinately delayed,' it says. The CBSE has asked schools to submit monthly progress reports to it, starting from July. 'Schools may also be visited by academic observers for support and guidance,' the circular states. Pointing out that the circular is meant to ensure that schools make an effort towards language instruction, the CBSE official said they are to begin collating their resources, and will have to indicate a time-frame if they need additional time. While schools with more resources are not expected to run into hurdles, smaller ones may need more time to ensure resources are available, the official said. The official in the Ministry of Education, meanwhile, said the NCFSE asks that students be offered the option of learning in the mother tongue, and the CBSE circular marks a beginning in that direction. The mapping will decide which languages are taught in a school, the official said. Meanwhile, Ameeta Mulla Wattal, Chairperson and Executive Director, DLF Foundation Schools, pointed to the challenges schools could face in implementing the CBSE's instructions. 'Choosing a single R1 can be difficult. Some students may feel alienated if their home language is not chosen. Maybe for the sake of convenience, parents might say let's carry on with Hindi, though our mother tongue is different. Families may also prefer English-medium instruction. There may be a conflict between home aspirations and school policies. Transition to the mother tongue would have to be gradual, and well-supported. Also, how are classrooms to be structured, if there are students from different linguistic backgrounds,' she said. 'Gurgaon, for instance, has a particularly mobile population. There are young people coming in from all states, and there's a variety of languages in Gurgaon. Accessing the linguistic profile of the student can itself be difficult — parents will have to declare what they speak, sometimes parents may not be speaking the mother tongue at home. In urban spaces, you have mixed-language classrooms and our resources are limited. We will have to recruit teachers who not only know the language but also know how to teach in that language. We will have to engage with parents, and have an orientation to explain the rationale of this,' she said. Sudha Acharya, Principal, ITL Public School, Dwarka said: 'We did a language mapping in April. The most spoken regional language is Hindi. For us, R1 will be Hindi and R2 will be English. Here, in the foundational stage, it is always bilingual. When children come in at three years, they usually speak the language that is spoken at home. For classes 3 to 5, classroom instruction may be bilingual, but we are an English medium school and our medium of instruction is English. So for these classes, we will stick to English.'
