NO

Memory lost

I think the tougher exams are, the more accurate is the evaluation of a student’s capabilities. If open book exams start to become the norm, students will put in much lesser effort, which may later hinder their academic progress. Open book tests would have a negative impact on students’ capacity to understand and memorise. They would also lose their sense of discipline. I feel open book tests would not be effective in improving the quality of learning.

Sharanya Nandi,

Class IX, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Calcutta

Time loss

Open book exams are not the best option because they are time-consuming. Instead of answering questions with his or her own knowledge, a student has to look up topics and waste time. This leads to failure in answering the given questions within the stipulated time and scoring less marks than expected.

Riddhi Deb,

First year, Future Institute of Engineering and Management, Calcutta

Fear is the key

According to me, open book exams cannot improve the quality of learning because students would stop studying and simply copy from the book provided at the exam hall or at home. Fear of exams encourages many students to study. With an open book exam, students may not focus much on studies.

Samiyana Banerjee,

Modern High School for Girls, Calcutta

YES

Real measure of calibre

Open book exams offer an intricate set of tricky, conceptual and case study-based questions. They calibrate the actual problem-solving skills and dynamic memory of students. Such exams trigger critical thinking where students focus on understanding and analysing concepts. Thus, they improve the quality of learning.

Debarpita Mandi,

Class VII, D.A.V. Public School, Midnapore

Will reduce stress

Open book exams can improve the quality of learning as students will not have to memorise entire texts. They can instead focus on gaining knowledge, which is the entire point of getting an education. Open book exams will allow students to review what they have already learnt in class and will help them become more thorough in every chapter and each subject . Open book exams could also lead to the reduction of stress levels among students.

Ekaansh Agarwal,

Class X, Delhi Public School Ruby Park, Calcutta

A good substitute

The Indian education system should include exams that have questions that require students to think critically and analytically. Open book exams serve this purpose. They are a very good substitute for traditional exams that make students learn lessons by heart and vomit them on the exam paper. Hence, I think such exams can improve the quality of learning.

Suhaani Haldar,

Class VII, Julien Day School, Calcutta

Clear concepts

Open book exams will compel students to go through their textbooks thoroughly. Nowadays, many of them avoid this in favour of mugging up notes provided at different tuitions. When students read each textbook thoroughly, they will be forced to go through each and every topic sincerely, which will give them a much better and in-depth understanding of the subject. That will ultimately help them in the future.

Yagnaseni Neogi,

Class XI, Julien Day School, Calcutta

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