CBSE News July 28, 2026: Open-Book Exam Complete Guide, Top Class 9 & 10 Questions & Best Study Resources for 2026-27

As the new 2026-27 academic session settles in, CBSE students are navigating the most transformed educational landscape in a generation. The CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 is underway, the Class 10 Phase 2 Result has been declared, the new AI curriculum is live in classrooms, and — perhaps the biggest talking point of the year — CBSE's Open-Book Exam (OBE) pilot for Class 9 is officially starting this session. This post brings you a comprehensive guide to the open-book exam, the most important CBSE questions and model answers for Class 9 and 10 students, and the best free study resources to dominate the 2026-27 session.

1. CBSE Open-Book Exam 2026-27: A Complete Guide for Class 9 Students

What Is the CBSE Open-Book Exam?

The CBSE Open-Book Exam (OBE) allows students to bring their NCERT textbook and personal notes into the examination hall while answering questions. It is NOT a traditional memorization test — instead, it evaluates a student's ability to understand, interpret, and apply concepts to real-world problems.

For 2026-27, OBE is being piloted for Class 9 in schools that have the required infrastructure. Subjects covered include:

• English Language and Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science

Why Is CBSE Introducing Open-Book Exams?

The shift is directly aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, which emphasize:

• Moving away from rote memorisation
• Encouraging conceptual understanding and critical thinking
• Making exams a learning experience, not just a testing experience
• Preparing students for higher education and the modern workforce

How Does the OBE Format Work?

Common Misconceptions About OBE

Misconception 1: "Open-book means it will be easy."

FALSE. Open-book questions are deliberately designed to test higher-order thinking. A student who relies on flipping through the book will run out of time. The top scorers are those who understand the material deeply.

Misconception 2: "I don't need to study if I have the book."

FALSE. Without strong conceptual grounding, students cannot locate the right information fast enough or apply it correctly under exam conditions.

Misconception 3: "Notes are not allowed."

FALSE. CBSE explicitly permits personal handwritten notes. Preparing well-organized notes is now an essential exam skill.

How to Prepare for OBE — Practical Tips

• Organize your NCERT book: Use sticky notes or tabs to mark chapters, key formulas, diagrams, and definitions. Speed of lookup matters.
• Create your own summary sheets: Condense each chapter into one A4 page. These become your most valuable OBE assets.
• Practice application questions: Solve CBSE sample papers and previous compartment papers — these already lean toward application-based formats.
• Focus on understanding "why", not just "what": OBE questions ask you to explain phenomena, analyse data, and make connections across topics.
• Time yourself: Practice retrieving and applying information within strict time limits.

2. CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 — Current Status

The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 began on July 15, 2026 and is currently underway for students who need to clear one or two subjects. Key facts:

If you are appearing in the Compartment Exam: Focus exclusively on high-weightage chapters. In Mathematics — coordinate geometry, calculus (Class 12), and statistics account for over 40 marks. In Science — NCERT diagrams, derivations, and reaction equations are the fastest mark-earners. Do not attempt new topics in the final days.

3. Top 15 Important CBSE Class 9 Questions with Model Answers (2026-27)

Class 9 students starting the new academic session should prioritise these frequently tested questions. Many of these formats will also appear in Open-Book Assessments this year.

Mathematics

Q1. Find the remainder when p(x) = x³ + 3x² + 3x + 1 is divided by (x + 1).

*Model Answer:* By the Remainder Theorem, substitute x = −1:

p(−1) = (−1)³ + 3(−1)² + 3(−1) + 1 = −1 + 3 − 3 + 1 = 0

The remainder is 0, which means (x + 1) is a factor of p(x). [2 marks]

Q2. In a parallelogram ABCD, if ∠A = 75°, find all the other angles.

*Model Answer:* In a parallelogram, opposite angles are equal and consecutive angles are supplementary.

∠C = ∠A = 75°; ∠B = ∠D = 180° − 75° = 105° [2 marks]

Q3. Prove that √2 is irrational.

*Model Answer:* Assume √2 = p/q (in lowest terms, p, q integers, q ≠ 0).

Then 2q² = p² → p² is even → p is even. Let p = 2m.

Then 2q² = 4m² → q² = 2m² → q is even.

But p and q are both even, contradicting the assumption that p/q is in lowest terms.

∴ √2 is irrational. [3 marks]

Science — Physics

Q4. A force of 20 N acts on an object of mass 4 kg. Calculate the acceleration produced.

*Model Answer:* Using Newton's Second Law: F = ma

a = F/m = 20/4 = 5 m/s² [1 mark]

Q5. Differentiate between distance and displacement with one example each.

*Model Answer:*

• Distance: Total path length covered. Scalar quantity. Example: A person walks 3 km east and 4 km north — total distance = 7 km.
• Displacement: Shortest straight-line distance from start to end with direction. Vector quantity. Same example: displacement = √(3² + 4²) = 5 km (north-east). [3 marks]

Science — Biology

Q6. Draw a labelled diagram of an animal cell. Name any three organelles absent in plant cells.

*Model Answer:* Draw: cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus (with nuclear membrane and nucleolus), mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth), ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes.

Three organelles absent in plant cells: Centriole, Lysosome, Flagella. [3 marks]

Q7. What is osmosis? How does it differ from diffusion?

*Model Answer:*

• Osmosis: Movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration (lower solute) to lower water concentration (higher solute).
• Key difference from diffusion: Diffusion involves movement of any molecule (not just water) and does NOT require a semi-permeable membrane. [2 marks]

Social Science — History

Q8. Explain the role of the French Revolution in inspiring the concept of nationalism.

*Model Answer:* The French Revolution (1789) introduced ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity and demonstrated that a nation's people — not a monarch — could be the source of political power. It created a sense of collective national identity through shared laws, citizenship, a common flag, and the La Marseillaise anthem. These ideas spread across Europe via Napoleon's conquests, inspiring nationalist movements in Germany, Italy, Poland, and later across Asia and Africa. [4 marks]

Science — Chemistry

Q9. Name the products formed when sodium reacts with water. Write the balanced equation.

*Model Answer:*

Products: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Hydrogen gas (H₂).

Balanced equation: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂ [2 marks]

Q10. Define valency. What is the valency of oxygen and nitrogen?

*Model Answer:* Valency is the combining capacity of an element — the number of hydrogen atoms an element can combine with or displace.

Valency of Oxygen = 2; Valency of Nitrogen = 3. [2 marks]

4. Top 10 Important CBSE Class 10 Questions with Model Answers (2026-27)

Mathematics

Q1. Find the nature of roots of the quadratic equation 2x² − 4x + 3 = 0.

*Model Answer:* Discriminant D = b² − 4ac = (−4)² − 4(2)(3) = 16 − 24 = −8

Since D < 0, the equation has no real roots (two complex conjugate roots). [2 marks]

Q2. Prove that the tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

*Model Answer:* [Proof outline — 3 marks]

Let O be the centre, P the point of tangency, and T any other point on the tangent.

Since T is outside the circle, OT > OP (radius). This is true for every point on the tangent except P.

∴ OP is the shortest distance from O to the tangent line, which means OP ⊥ tangent at P. ■

Science — Physics

Q3. State Ohm's Law. A resistor of 5Ω is connected to a 10V battery. Find the current.

*Model Answer:* Ohm's Law: At constant temperature, the current (I) through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage (V): V = IR.

I = V/R = 10/5 = 2 A [2 marks]

Science — Chemistry

Q4. What is a chemical equilibrium? State Le Chatelier's Principle.

*Model Answer:*

• Chemical equilibrium: The state in a reversible reaction where the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction and concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.
• Le Chatelier's Principle: If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that counteracts the change. [3 marks]

Science — Biology

Q5. Describe the process of photosynthesis and write the overall equation.

*Model Answer:* Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, water (from roots), and carbon dioxide (from air) to produce glucose and oxygen in the presence of chlorophyll.

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll) [3 marks]

Social Science — Economics

Q6. What is GDP? How is it different from GNP?

*Model Answer:*

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): Total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given year, regardless of who produces them.
• GNP (Gross National Product): GDP + income earned by a country's residents abroad − income earned by foreigners within the country.

English

Q7. Read the following passage and identify the tone of the author. *(Application-based — students locate and apply)*

*Model Answer format:* The tone of the author is [identify: melancholic/satirical/reflective/etc.]. Evidence from the passage: [quote specific lines]. This is supported by [literary device] used in [line/phrase]. [3 marks — 1 for tone identification, 2 for textual evidence]

5. Best Free CBSE Study Resources for 2026-27

Getting the right resources dramatically changes your preparation quality. Here are the most effective free resources available to CBSE students:

Official Government Resources

How to Use These Resources Effectively

• NCERT textbooks: Solve EVERY exercise question, including examples within chapters. CBSE board questions are sourced directly from NCERT.
• CBSE sample papers: Download the current year's paper and solve it under timed conditions. The marking scheme tells you exactly how marks are awarded step-by-step.
• ePathshala: Use the video modules for difficult Science and Maths topics — visual learning reinforces what reading cannot always achieve.
• DigiLocker: Register now and link your APAAR ID — it is mandatory for the 2026-27 session and your digital marksheets will appear here after board exams.

SmartPrep CBSE — AI-Powered Practice

For structured, AI-generated practice specifically aligned to CBSE's 2026-27 syllabus, SmartPrep CBSE generates chapter-wise questions (including CBQ and application-based formats), provides stepwise grading feedback, and tracks your performance over time. Free access is available to registered students.

6. CBSE 2026-27 Academic Calendar — Key Dates Ahead

7. Top 10 Frequently Asked CBSE Questions — Answered

Q1: Is the open-book exam compulsory for Class 9 in 2026-27?

No. CBSE has made the OBE pilot voluntary for schools in 2026-27. Schools with adequate infrastructure are encouraged to participate, but it is not mandatory. If your school adopts it, you will be informed by your school administration. The open-book format is currently only for Class 9 internal assessments — it is not the board exam yet.

Q2: Can I still take Maths Basic in Class 10 in 2026-27?

Only students who were already enrolled in Class 9 before July 2026 and had been assigned Maths Basic retain that option. Students entering Class 9 in July 2026 or later will take Standard Maths — the Maths Basic option has been discontinued for the new cohort. Contact your school if you are unsure which category you fall under.

Q3: What is the APAAR ID and is it truly mandatory?

The APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID is a 12-digit lifetime academic ID that stores all your academic records — from Class 1 to university — in one digital ledger. It is being rolled out as mandatory by the Ministry of Education for all school students in India, including CBSE students. Your school will initiate registration. It is linked to your Aadhaar number and requires parental consent for students below 18. Failure to register may affect access to scholarship schemes and digital academic records.

Q4: How does the three-language policy affect Class 10 board exams?

For students currently in Class 10, there is no change to board exam structure this year. The three-language policy mandating three subjects from Class 6 is being implemented progressively — the Class 9 cohort entering in 2026 is the first full batch. Board exam language requirements for existing Class 10 and 12 students remain as before.

Q5: When will CBSE release the 2026-27 sample papers?

Based on past patterns, CBSE typically releases the Sample Question Papers and Marking Schemes for the upcoming board exam in September–October of each academic year on cbseacademic.nic.in. Watch for the official release — practising the sample paper is the single most impactful thing any student can do for exam preparation.

Q6: My Class 12 Compartment Exam is underway — what are my rights if I am dissatisfied with my result?

CBSE students have the right to:

1. Apply for photocopy of their answer sheet (within the deadline, typically 2 weeks after the result)

2. Apply for verification of marks (totalling check)

3. Apply for re-evaluation (re-marking of answers)

CBSE reduced re-evaluation fees by up to 85% in 2026. Exact fees and deadlines are published on cbse.gov.in after the result is declared.

Q7: Is AI as a subject available to choose in Class 9 right now?

Yes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is available as an elective skill subject for Classes 9–10 under CBSE's vocational framework. Additionally, from 2026-27, AI and Computational Thinking (CT) are being integrated into the main curriculum from Class 3. Students in Class 9 who choose AI as an elective will study it as a 6th optional subject with internal assessment in Classes 9–10 and a board exam from Classes 11–12 (from 2029 onwards).

Q8: How can I track my college admissions through CUET 2026?

CUET UG 2026 results are expected by July 31, 2026 on exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG. After results, individual universities publish their own merit lists and admission schedules. DU, JNU, BHU, and other central universities typically open their admission portals in August. Track each target university's official website directly — do not rely on third-party aggregators for deadline accuracy.

Q9: Can I change my stream after seeing my Class 10 results?

Yes. Stream selection (Science, Commerce, Humanities) is done at the Class 11 admission stage, not at the Class 10 stage. Your Class 10 subject choices do not legally restrict your stream selection — though individual schools may have their own eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum percentage for the Science stream). Apply to multiple schools early since admission windows are closing now.

Q10: What are the best books for CBSE Class 9 Maths in 2026-27?

The priority order is:

1. NCERT Mathematics (Class 9) — primary and most important; all board questions trace back here

2. NCERT Exemplar Problems — excellent for higher-order and application-based questions (now mandatory in OBE format)

3. R.D. Sharma (Class 9) — recommended only for additional practice on Algebra and Geometry chapters; not a replacement for NCERT

Private reference books should supplement NCERT, never replace it.

Summary

Stay informed and practise smarter. Follow the SmartPrep CBSE Blog for weekly CBSE updates and visit SmartPrep CBSE for AI-powered chapter-wise practice, worksheet generation, and stepwise grading — all free for students and built specifically for the CBSE 2026-27 curriculum.