New Delhi: In response to the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) proposal to introduce Open Book Examinations (OBE) for students in classes 9 to 12, concerns have surfaced among parents and experts regarding its feasibility and implications. The decision, which was deliberated upon during last year’s governing body meeting, has sparked debates regarding its potential impact on the educational landscape.
This consideration aligns with the recommendations of the new National Curriculum Framework introduced last year.
The proposed pilot project, scheduled to be implemented this year, aims to assess the viability of OBE in selected schools and subjects, notably English, Mathematics, and Science for lower classes and English, Mathematics, and Biology for higher classes. While proponents highlight the potential benefits of reducing student stress and mitigating unfair practices such as cheating, critics voice apprehensions regarding infrastructure readiness and the practicality of implementation.
Experts emphasise that while OBE may foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, its successful execution hinges upon adequate preparation and infrastructure, estimating a timeline of 5 to 8 years for full implementation across classes 10 to 12.
“It will require two to three years to empower our paper setters to create such types of questions, which can then be implemented in very limited subjects. After 5-8 years, we can implement them in Class 10 and Class 12 exams,” former CBSE chairman Ashok Ganguly said.
Moreover, parents express concerns about potential limitations for their children, particularly regarding the necessity of purchasing specific textbooks and the burden of note-taking. This apprehension underscores broader considerations about accessibility and equity in education.