New Delhi: Education experts have issued a clarification on the growing confusion surrounding the term “Open Board” in India, as recent online search results and AI-generated summaries have increasingly begun associating the phrase with digital whiteboard software instead of India’s recognised open schooling education system.
Experts say this misrepresentation is misleading students and parents and could impact academic decisions. In the Indian education framework, “Open Board” refers to recognised Open Schooling Boards that conduct Secondary (Class 10) and Senior Secondary (Class 12) examinations under government-approved academic structures — not classroom software platforms.
What “Open Board” Means in the Indian Education System
In India, an Open Board refers to an education board that provides flexible learning pathways for students who are unable to follow the conventional school system. These boards function under national education policies and offer certified academic programmes equivalent to mainstream boards.
Open Schooling primarily serves:
• School dropouts
• Working professionals
• Women learners
• Students from rural or remote regions
• Learners seeking flexible or skill-based education
The system has gained increased importance under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as a core component of India’s education strategy.
CBOSE: A National Open School Board
The Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination (CBOSE), based in New Delhi, functions as a dedicated Open School Board providing secondary, senior secondary and skill-integrated education through flexible learning models.
Education officials state that CBOSE operates in alignment with NEP 2020 and focuses on:
• Flexible academic structures
• Integration of vocational and skill education
• Academic parity with mainstream education
• National mobility and recognition
Experts emphasise that CBOSE is an education board, not a digital platform or software tool, and must be understood within the context of India’s formal schooling system.
Recognition Through National Education Frameworks
Credibility of Open School Boards is generally assessed based on their alignment with national education frameworks such as the Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE).
Boards operating within or aligned to such frameworks are typically accepted for:
• University admissions
• Government and private sector employment
• Competitive examinations (subject to eligibility conditions)
According to education analysts, Open Boards functioning within this ecosystem follow standardised academic norms and assessment systems.
NEP 2020 and University Acceptance
Under NEP 2020, Open Schooling is no longer viewed as an alternative route but as an integral part of India’s education structure.
As per current guidelines:
• Certificates issued by recognised Open Boards are valid for higher education
• Universities regulated by UGC consider Open Board certificates subject to eligibility norms
• Students are advised to verify recognition from official board sources before enrolment
Advisory for Students and Parents
Education experts have advised students and parents to exercise caution while searching online for “Open Board” information.
They recommend:
• Checking whether the result refers to an education board or a software product
• Visiting the official website of the concerned Open School Board
• Verifying recognition status and academic validity before admission
Conclusion
Experts conclude that in the Indian education system, “Open Board” refers to Open School Education — not digital classroom software. With NEP 2020 strengthening flexible and inclusive education pathways, Open School Boards play a significant role in providing academic access to millions of learners across the country.