ICSE Class 10 Maths Previous Year Papers: PDF Guide

Find icse class 10 maths previous year papers for exam practice. This page provides 11 Mathematics PDFs from 2017 to 2025, including board papers and school prelim exams. Use these papers to understand the exam pattern and practice real questions.

Download ICSE Class 10 Mathematics Question Papers PDF

These are the 11 question papers PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10 Mathematics, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.

This group contains 11 Mathematics papers from 2017 to 2025, including official board exams and school prelim papers. They cover the full Class 10 syllabus, testing topics like matrices, quadratic equations, GST, and recurring deposits. Students use these papers to practice the Section A and Section B format under timed conditions.

What These Maths Papers Cover Inside

The table holds 11 Mathematics papers spanning 2017 to 2025. You get official board papers and school-based prelim exams. Each paper tests the full Class 10 Maths syllabus, covering commercial mathematics, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, probability, and statistics.

The board papers follow a strict format. Section A is compulsory for 40 marks. Section B requires you to attempt any four questions for the remaining 40 marks. The maximum marks for the board exam are 80.

The papers also include school prelim exams from 2023 and 2025. These follow the same section structure but use different internal numbering. They provide extra practice with fresh questions set by schools.

Exam Pattern and Time Allowed Per Paper

The exam duration differs between years. You must check each paper’s instructions carefully. The board changed the time allowed recently.

Every paper enforces a 15-minute reading time before writing begins. You cannot write answers during this period. You must spend this time reading the question paper.

Section A changed its format recently. From 2023 onwards, Question 1 is a 15-mark multiple-choice question. You must choose correct options without copying the questions. Papers from 2017 to 2020 used descriptive sub-questions worth 3 or 4 marks each in Question 1.

Recurring Question Topics Across Years

Practicing past papers works best when you know what repeats. The excerpts show clear patterns in question topics. Focus your revision on these high-frequency areas.

• Matrices: Finding unknown variables in 2×2 matrices appeared in 2018, 2020, and 2025. You often solve simultaneous equations using matrix methods.
• Quadratic Equations: Solving equations and giving answers to two decimal places was asked in 2017, 2020, and 2025.
• Inequations: Solving linear inequations and representing the solution on a number line appeared in 2019 and 2023.
• Recurring Deposits: Calculating maturity value for recurring deposit accounts featured in 2018 and 2023.
• GST and Shares: Calculating GST rates and share dividends appeared in 2019, 2024, and 2025.

Worked Example: Solving a Quadratic Equation

Quadratic equations frequently appear in Section A. The 2020 paper asked students to solve an equation and give the answer correct to two decimal places. Here is an original example modeled on that question type.

Question: Solve the equation 2x^2 – 7x + 3 = 0. Give your answer correct to two decimal places.

Solution:

1. Compare with the standard form ax^2 + bx + c = 0. Here, a = 2, b = -7, c = 3.
2. Use the quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b² – 4ac)] / 2a.
3. Calculate the discriminant: b² – 4ac = (-7)² – 4(2)(3) = 49 – 24 = 25.
4. Find the square root: √25 = 5.
5. Substitute back: x = [7 ± 5] / 4.
6. Calculate both roots: x = (7 + 5) / 4 = 3.00, and x = (7 – 5) / 4 = 0.50.

The roots are 3.00 and 0.50. Always show the formula substitution in your answer sheet to secure full marks.

How to Use These Papers for Exam Preparation

Downloading papers is only the first step. You need a structured plan to use them. Follow these steps to build your exam readiness.

• Start with recent papers: Begin with the 2024 and 2025 papers. They reflect the current syllabus and question format most accurately.
• Simulate exam conditions: Sit at a desk without distractions. Set a timer for the exact duration stated on the paper. Do not look at notes or textbooks.
• Show all rough work: The instructions explicitly state that omission of essential working results in loss of marks. Write rough work on the same sheet as the answer.
• Check answers against solutions: After finishing, review your steps. Identify calculation errors and missed formulas. You can find supporting material in your Class 10 books.
• Practice older papers later: Use the 2017 to 2020 papers for extra topic practice. Remember their Question 1 format differs from current papers.

You can find more resources for your overall prep on our Class 10 hub page. For official syllabus updates, always refer to the CISCE official website.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Studying

Students lose marks on predictable errors. Knowing these pitfalls helps you avoid them.

• Skipping rough work: Many students write only the final answer. Examiners deduct marks for missing steps. Always write the formula, substitution, and calculation.
• Ignoring the reading time: The first 15 minutes are for reading. Use them to plan which Section B questions you will attempt. Do not start writing immediately.
• Rounding errors: When a question asks for two decimal places, students often round incorrectly. Check your final digit carefully.
• Forgetting units: In mensuration and geometry problems, omitting units like cm or cm² costs marks. Add units to every final answer.
• Misreading Section B choices: Section B requires any four questions. Students sometimes attempt five and waste time. Attempt only four.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are available for download?

There are 11 Mathematics papers available. They include board exams from 2017 to 2025 and school prelim exams from 2023 and 2025.

What is the time allowed for the ICSE Class 10 Maths exam?

The time allowed varies by year. Papers from 2017 to 2024 allow two and a half hours. The 2025 board papers allow three hours. Every paper includes a 15-minute reading time before writing begins.

What is the marking scheme for these papers?

The maximum marks are 80. Section A is compulsory and carries 40 marks. Section B carries 40 marks, and you must attempt any four questions. From 2023 onwards, Question 1 in Section A is a 15-mark multiple-choice question.

Do these papers include solutions?

No, this page hosts the question papers and exam guidance. It does not provide solution sets. You must solve the questions yourself and show the working steps.

Are these papers free to download?

Yes, the downloads are free and direct. You do not need to sign up or create an account to access the PDFs.

More ICSE study material on this site

• Class 10
• Class 10 Books
• ICSE Books PDF Free
• ICSE Books

Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.