CBSE Class 9 Open Book Exams from 2026: How It Impacts Class 10

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.”

Impact 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.

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

Also, check

• Is it Mandatory to appear two board exams in CBSE

• CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year? Class 10 & 12