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CBSE Class 9 Open Book Exams from 2026: How It Impacts Class 10
Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, CBSE will implement open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students. These will be conducted each term in core subjects: Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The shift aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, moving away from rote memorisation toward critical thinking, application, and understanding. A 2023 pilot study revealed that student scores ranged from 12% to 47%, highlighting difficulties in utilising reference materials effectively.
This Story also Contains
- What Experts Say on Class 9 Open-Book Exams?
- Impact of Open Book Exam on CBSE 10th Exams
- Benefits of Class 9 Open-Book Exams
- Is CBSE's open book exams be beneficial for students?
What Experts Say on Class 9 Open-Book Exams?
Several experts have shared their views regarding the open-book exam; among them is the spokesperson, Ms Sasmita Mohanty, Director, Sanjay Ghodawat International School, said, “In line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE’s open book assessments (OBA) represent a meaningful step in India’s education sector.
This approach will significantly benefit Class 10 students as it promotes internalisation over memorisation and facilitates a much-needed transition from traditional to competency-based learning. By prioritising skill development and critical thinking, OBA will not only reduce the academic pressure but will also prepare students for real-life problem-solving”
Naman Jain, Vice Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, said, “ Extending open-book exams till Grade 9 complements this shift, as the goal is to build domain competency over rote memorisation. This will push schools and teachers to prioritise skill-building over mere content drilling, marking a positive step towards transforming pedagogical practices in CBSE schools nationwide.”
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Download NowImpact of Open Book Exam on CBSE 10th Exams
Students can learn here the impact of open-book learning on Class 9 students. They can decide accordingly whether CBSE 9th open-book learning is a bliss or a curse.
Class 9 OBEs promote analysis and application rather than memorisation. This prepares students for CBSE Class 10 board exams, which also reward understanding over rote recall.
Open-book formats challenge students not just to find information, but to apply it quickly and accurately. Managing time this way can give them a strategic advantage in timed Class 10 exams.
Open-book doesn't mean "easier." Students will need strong analytical abilities. Teachers will need to design questions that challenge their ability to interpret, not just recall
As during OBE, students can check the formula in their notes and apply it to solve a problem in maths. But in Class 10, they will have to understand the formula and, without opening any book, apply it to solve the complex maths problem.
Benefits of Class 9 Open-Book Exams
When you first hear about open-book learning, it feels like answers are being spoon-fed to the students and that they won’t study. But once this system is implemented, parents and guardians will see how it can truly stimulate the brain, with new ideas and more.
Gradually, CBSE has been increasing the percentage of competency-based questions in the Class 10 board exam. While in 2021 only 20% of the questions were competency-based, by 2025 this had risen to 50%. These competency-based questions rely on logical thinking rather than rote memorisation. This shift is a very important step in the right direction.
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Is CBSE's open book exams be beneficial for students?
Ms. Sasmita Mohanty, Director, Sanjay Ghodawat International School, shared her views on whether the CBSE 9th open-book is beneficial or not.
“In line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE’s open book assessments (OBA) represent a meaningful step in India’s education sector. This approach will be truly beneficial for the students by facilitating a much-needed transition from traditional to competency-based learning. By prioritising skill development and critical thinking, OBA will not only reduce the academic pressure but will also prepare students for real-life problem-solving.
Additionally, by promoting an application-based assessment model, this will encourage a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its practical application. This will further provide a more meaningful and lasting learning experience for the students by fostering higher-order thinking skills.”
Along with this change, the board has also started conducting the CBSE 10th exams twice a year, once in February and another in May. Students can check more about this on the provided link: CBSE 10th exam dates
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On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?
Hello, according to CBSE and most Indian education boards, the typical age for appearing in the Class 10 exam is around 15-16 years. However, there are some exceptional cases where academically advanced students complete their studies early. If you have officially cleared Class 10 from CBSE, received a valid marksheet, and your school and board have accepted your age proof during registration, your certificate is considered valid. Problems only arise if your admission to Class 10 violated the board’s eligibility rules (for example, skipping multiple classes without approval). In such rare cases, the board might question the validity. But if CBSE has issued you the certificate after proper procedures, it is legally recognized for further studies, competitive exams, and jobs. If you are worried about age restrictions for certain exams (like 17 years minimum for NEET), you might need to wait until you meet the required age.
Thank you, and best of luck for your studies.
Hello,
Yes, you are right. To get eligible for the 10th board examination, you need a minimum of 75% attendance. This is a rule that applies to the CBSE, or Central Board of Secondary Education, recognized schools. There are exceptions to this rule in the scenario, like
- Medical Emergencies
- Personal Tragedies
- Official Sports Participation
I hope it will clear your query!!
hello,
These are the documents to take admission in 11th standard at your college from cbse to Maharashtra State Board.
- Class X Marksheet
- School Leaving Certificate
- Date of Birth Certificate
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- Migrant Certificate
- Aadhar Card or Government ID
I hope it resolves your query!!
To transfer from a CBSE school to a Maharashtra state board junior college for 11th standard, you'll need to provide several documents.
These typically include: your Class 10th mark sheet (original and attested copies), School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate (TC) from your previous school, and a migration certificate if you're changing from a different board.
You'll also need a birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, and potentially an eligibility certificate from the Maharashtra State Board
The specific documents required may vary depending on the college and region. Verify the exact requirements with the college's admission office or official website.
Hello Aditya,
The documents required to take admission in 11th standard from CBSE to Maharashtra State Board are:
-
10th Marksheet (CBSE Board)
-
School Leaving Certificate (from previous school)
-
Migration Certificate (CBSE Board)
-
Aadhaar Card (student’s ID proof)
-
Passport size photographs
-
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
-
Domicile Certificate (if required by the college)
Some colleges may ask for additional documents. It’s best to check with the specific college for exact requirements.
Hope it helps !
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