How to Ace OBAS Exams: 7 Proven Tips for Top Scores

If you have ever heard the term OBAS (Open Book Assessment System), you might think, “This will be easy. The answers are right there in the book” Well… not exactly. Passing an OBAS exam with flying colours is not about flipping pages faster than your classmates; it is about knowing how to prepare, how to use your resources, and how to think critically under exam conditions.

To succeed, you need more than your books, you need a strategy. This guide will show you how to prepare for OBAS exams and perform your best.

 Below are seven proven tips for top scores in any OBAS exams;

1. Understand What OBAS Really Is

OBAS is designed to test your understanding, application, and analysis skills, not just your ability to locate a definition. The examiners expect you to use the materials as a reference, not a crutch.

• You will be asked applied questions, case studies, and problem-solving tasks.

• The goal is to see how well you can combine what is in the book with your own reasoning.

Tip: Read the exam instructions beforehand. Every OBAS has its own rules on what materials are allowed.

2. Do not Skip Studying Because It is “Open Book”

This is the biggest mistake OBAS candidates make. Many think, “Why study? I can just check during the exam.” That is a trap. If you do not know where to find information quickly, you will waste valuable time flipping pages.

What to do instead:

• Go through your notes and textbooks as if it is a closed-book exam.

• Highlight and label key sections for quick reference.

• Use sticky notes or tabs to mark important formulas, case studies, and examples.

3. Master the Art of Quick Navigation

During OBAS exams, speed matters. You are not memorising everything. You are learning where to find and how to apply it.

Practical steps:

• Create your own quick-reference index at the back of your notebook.

• Familiarise yourself with the table of contents and glossary.

• Practise finding answers to past questions using only your allowed materials.

4. Focus on Understanding, Not Copying

Many OBAS questions are designed so that a direct copy from the book won’t answer the question completely. You will need to:

• Interpret the concept.

• Apply it to the given scenario.

• Sometimes, combine information from multiple sources.

Example: Instead of asking “What is pH?”, an OBAS question might say:

“A farmer notices his soil has a pH of 4.8. Using your reference material, suggest two ways he can improve crop yield and explain why they will work.”

Here, you need concept + application, not just a definition.

5. Practise Past OBAS-Style Questions

The best way to prepare is to train your brain for the format.

• Get past OBAS papers or sample questions.

• Time yourself while answering with your materials at hand.

• Practise structuring your answers clearly. Examiners love concise, well-organised responses.

6. Develop a Good Exam Strategy

When you open the paper:

1. Scan the questions first — this helps you plan your time.

2. Answer questions you are confident about first.

3. Leave the time-consuming ones for later.

4. Keep answers clear, well-structured, and directly linked to the question.

7. Stay Calm and Organised on the Day

On exam day:

• Arrange your materials neatly before the exam starts.

• Avoid last-minute cramming — it can cause panic.

• Read every question carefully before answering.

• Manage your time — don’t spend too long on one question.

Acing an OBAS exam is not about memorising every single detail or frantically searching through your textbook. It is about preparing smartly, navigating your materials efficiently, and thinking critically under pressure.