ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Previous Year Question Papers PDF
You can download all 8 ICSE class 10 chemistry previous year question papers here. These files cover the Science Paper 2 Chemistry exams from 2020 to 2026, including main board papers and pre-board comparative tests. They are direct PDFs for students preparing for the CISCE board exam.
Download ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Question Papers PDF
These are the 8 question papers PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10 Chemistry, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.
This group contains 8 Chemistry Science Paper 2 PDFs from 2020 to 2026, including main board papers and first comparative examinations. Each paper is an 80-mark, two-hour exam divided into a compulsory Section A and a choice-based Section B. They cover recurring ICSE topics like periodic properties, chemical bonding, electrolysis, and organic chemistry.
| Paper | Download |
|---|---|
| Chemistry Science Paper 2 (2024) | Download PDF |
| Chemistry Science Paper 2 (2026) | Download PDF |
| Chemistry Science (2020) | Download PDF |
| First Comparative Chemistry Science (2020) | Download PDF |
| Chemistry Science Paper 2 (2025) | Download PDF |
| Chemistry Science 522I Paper 2 (2025) | Download PDF |
| First Comparative Chemistry Science (2023) | Download PDF |
| Chemistry Science Paper 2 (2023) | Download PDF |
What These Chemistry Papers Cover Inside
Every paper in this set is an 80-mark, two-hour exam. The instructions state you get 15 minutes to read the paper before writing. Each paper divides into two sections worth 40 marks each. Section A is compulsory and contains objective questions. Section B requires you to attempt any four questions out of the given options.
The papers test the full Class 10 Chemistry syllabus. The grounding excerpts show recurring topics across the years. You will see questions on the periodic table, chemical bonding, acids, bases and salts, electrolysis, and organic chemistry. The multiple-choice questions often ask you to identify elements with the highest ionization potential or pick the correct alloy components.
Exam Pattern and Mark Distribution
The papers follow a strict structure. You must understand the mark tags to plan your writing speed.
| Paper Section | Marks | Question Format |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Question 1) | 15 marks | Multiple choice, write only the correct answer |
| Section A (Remaining) | 25 marks | Compulsory short answer questions |
| Section B | 40 marks | Choose 4 out of 6 long-answer questions |
Recent papers from 2023 to 2026 explicitly instruct you not to copy the multiple-choice questions. You only write the correct option. The 2020 papers split Section A differently, using 5-mark and other sub-tagged blocks. You must read the bracketed marks for each sub-question carefully.
Topic Frequency Across the 2020 to 2026 Papers
Certain topics appear repeatedly in these exams. Identifying them helps you prioritize your revision.
- Periodic properties: Ionization potential and atomic radius questions appear in 2020, 2023, and 2024.
- Chemical bonding: Identifying ionic versus covalent bonds appears in 2020 and 2026.
- Metals and alloys: Questions on alloy components like duralumin and brass appear in 2024 and 2025.
- Organic chemistry: Saturated versus unsaturated hydrocarbons appear in 2024 and 2025.
- Acids and salts: Reactions of concentrated sulphuric acid appear in 2020 and 2026.
Use the Class 10 Chemistry syllabus page to match these recurring topics to your textbook chapters.
Worked Example: Answering a Periodic Table MCQ
Multiple-choice questions on periodic properties require you to recall the trends. Here is an example modelled on the 2020 and 2023 exam style.
Question: An element in period 3 has an electron affinity of zero. Identify the element.
Options: (a) Neon (b) Sulphur (c) Sodium (d) Argon
Step 1: Recall the definition. Electron affinity is the energy released when an atom accepts an electron.
Step 2: Identify elements with zero electron affinity. Noble gases have completely filled outer shells. They do not accept electrons.
Step 3: Check the period. Neon is in period 2. Argon is in period 3.
Answer: (d) Argon.
How to Use These Papers for Preparation
Solving past papers builds speed and exposes your weak areas. You need a structured approach.
- Simulate the exam: Set a timer for two hours. Do not look at the answers while writing.
- Focus on Section A first: Practice writing only the option letter for the 15-mark MCQ block to save time.
- Review Section B choices: Read all six questions before choosing your four. Pick the ones you know best.
- Check balanced equations: The 2020 comparative paper explicitly requires balanced equations. Verify your chemical formulas.
You can find more study material on the Class 10 Chemistry books page. For official updates, always refer to the CISCE official website.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Students lose marks by repeating the same errors. Avoid these specific pitfalls.
- Copying MCQ questions: The 2023 to 2026 papers state you must not copy the question. Writing the full question wastes time.
- Ignoring mark tags: A 2-mark question needs two key points. A 5-mark question needs a full structure. Match your answer length to the marks.
- Unbalanced equations: You lose marks if your chemical equations lack state symbols or coefficients.
- Wrong section order: The 2020 comparative paper notes you must answer subsections in order. Jumping around causes confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chemistry papers are available for download?
You can download 8 papers. They include main board exams and first comparative examinations from 2020 to 2026.
What is the duration and maximum marks for these exams?
Every paper is a two-hour exam worth 80 marks. You get an additional 15 minutes to read the paper before you start writing.
Do these papers include solutions?
No. This page hosts the question papers and exam guidance. You must solve the questions using your CISCE-aligned textbook and class notes.
Are these official CISCE papers?
These are CISCE-aligned previous year question papers. They follow the exact 80-mark, two-hour format stated by the board. You can verify the latest syllabus on the CISCE website.
More ICSE study material on this site
Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.
Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.