The ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026 is issued by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and covers all compulsory and elective subjects for the board examination scheduled from February 17 to March 30, 2026. As per the latest CISCE notification, there has been no reduction in the 2026-27 syllabus — every topic listed below is examinable. Download the official PDF using the link at the end of this page and cross-check it with your school’s teaching plan.
This page walks you through each subject’s topics, marks split between external and internal assessment, and a realistic study plan based on actual weightage. Approximately 2.6 lakh students appeared for ICSE Class 10 in 2026, so competition is real — knowing the syllabus inside out is your first advantage.
How ICSE Class 10 Marks Are Distributed
Before diving into individual subjects, understand the overall assessment structure. The ICSE Class 10 examination divides marks into external (written) and internal (school-based) components. The split depends on which group a subject belongs to.
| Group | External Marks | Internal Marks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I & II subjects (e.g., English, Maths, Science, History) | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Group III subjects (e.g., Computer Applications, Physical Education) | 50 | 50 | 100 |
The passing threshold is 33% in each subject individually. Scoring well in internal assessment is important — those 20 marks are essentially free marks if you submit projects on time and participate in practicals sincerely.
ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026-27: Subject-wise Breakdown
Group I — Compulsory Subjects
1. English Language (Paper 1)
This paper tests writing skills, grammar, and comprehension. It carries 80 external marks and 20 internal marks (assessed through speaking and listening activities at school).
- Composition: Formal letters, informal letters, notices, reports, and essays
- Comprehension: Unseen prose passages with vocabulary and inference questions
- Grammar: Transformation of sentences, phrasal verbs, reported speech, active/passive voice, punctuation
Exam tip: The composition section carries the most marks. Practice writing within a word limit every week — examiners deduct marks for padding that adds no meaning.
2. Literature in English (Paper 2)
Based on the prescribed Evergreen / ISC textbooks — specifically the CISCE-prescribed anthology, drama, and novel for your batch. Check your school’s booklist for the exact titles since CISCE prescribes alternatives.
- Prescribed Poetry: Analysis of poems, themes, figures of speech
- Prescribed Prose / Short Stories: Character sketches, passage-based questions
- Prescribed Drama (typically Shakespeare): Scene-based questions, character and theme analysis
- Prescribed Novel: Plot, character, and theme questions
3. Second Language (Hindi / Regional Language)
Students must take one second language. Hindi is the most common choice. The syllabus includes:
- Composition: Essays, letters, applications, summaries (Saar-lekhan)
- Grammar: Sandhi, Samas, Vakya parivarthan, Muhavare, Vilom shabd
- Comprehension: Unseen passages in Hindi prose
- Literature: Prescribed poems and prose from the Hindi textbook
Group II — Any Two of the Following
4. Mathematics (Selina / ML Aggarwal)
Mathematics is the subject where topic weightage matters most. The external paper is 2.5 hours for 80 marks. Based on past CISCE papers, here is the approximate topic-wise weightage:
| Topic | Approx. Marks (External) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Mathematics (GST, Banking, Shares) | 12–16 |
| Algebra (Linear inequations, Quadratic equations, AP, Ratio & Proportion) | 16–20 |
| Geometry (Circles, Tangents, Constructions, Similarity, Loci) | 18–22 |
| Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere) | 8–10 |
| Trigonometry (Identities, Heights & Distances) | 8–10 |
| Statistics & Probability | 8–10 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 6–8 |
| Matrices | 4–6 |
Internal assessment (20 marks) includes one or two Maths assignments or a project submitted to your school throughout the year.
5. History, Civics & Geography (HCG)
This subject has two papers. Paper 1 — History and Civics and Paper 2 — Geography, each with an 80 external + 20 internal split.
History & Civics topics:
- The Union Legislature: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- The Union Executive: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers
- The Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts
- Rise of Nationalism in India (Swadeshi, Partition of Bengal, Morley-Minto reforms)
- Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India)
- Independence and Partition of India
- The United Nations: Structure and functions
- Major contemporary global issues
Geography topics:
- Map Work: Topographical maps (Survey of India sheets), conventional signs
- Minerals and Energy Resources
- Manufacturing Industries
- Agriculture in India
- Transport, Trade and Communication
- Waste Management
6. Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Science)
Science has three papers. Selina Concise textbooks are the standard reference for all three. Each paper is 80 external + 20 internal marks, with a compulsory practical/project component as part of internal assessment.
Physics key topics:
- Force, Work, Energy, Power
- Machines (Levers, Pulleys)
- Refraction and Refraction through Lenses
- Spectrum and Scattering of Light
- Sound — Nature and propagation
- Electricity and Magnetism (Ohm’s Law, Household circuits, Electromagnetic induction)
- Radioactivity (basic concepts)
- Heat (Calorimetry, Latent heat)
Chemistry key topics:
- Periodic Table and Periodic Properties
- Chemical Bonding (Ionic, Covalent)
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Analytical Chemistry (qualitative salt analysis)
- Mole Concept and Stoichiometry
- Electrolysis
- Metallurgy
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons and their reactions)
- Atmosphere and Environmental Chemistry
Biology key topics:
- Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)
- Genetics and Heredity
- Absorption by Roots, Transpiration, Photosynthesis
- The Circulatory System
- The Excretory System
- The Nervous System and Sense Organs
- Endocrine System
- Reproduction in Plants and Humans
- Population: Size and growth
Group III — Optional Elective Subjects
Students choose one Group III subject. These follow a 50 external + 50 internal marks structure, making internal work extremely important.
- Computer Applications: Fundamentals of computing, OOP concepts using Java (BlueJ), classes and objects, arrays, string handling
- Commercial Studies: Trade, banking, insurance, business communication, advertising
- Economics: Basic concepts, demand and supply, market forms, national income, money and banking
- Environmental Science: Ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, environmental laws
- Physical Education: Theory of sports science + practical performance assessment
- Home Science: Nutrition, textiles, consumer education, child development
- Performing Arts / Art: Practical-heavy with internal assessment comprising the majority of marks
Internal assessment for Group III typically involves project files, practicals, and viva conducted by school teachers as per CISCE guidelines.
Internal Assessment: What You Must Submit
Internal assessment accounts for 20 out of 100 marks in Group I and II subjects. It is assessed by your school and moderated by CISCE. Missing submissions or poor-quality project work directly reduces your final score.
| Subject | Internal Assessment Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Speaking & Listening (ASL) activities | 20 |
| Mathematics | Two assignments / one project file | 20 |
| Physics | Practical record + viva | 20 |
| Chemistry | Practical record + viva | 20 |
| Biology | Practical record + viva | 20 |
| History & Civics | Project on a civics/history topic | 20 |
| Geography | Field study / map work project | 20 |
| Computer Applications (Group III) | Practical program file + viva | 50 |
Practical advice: Start your Biology and Chemistry practical files from Term 1. Many students rush these in November and submit incomplete records, losing easy marks. A neat, complete practical file with labelled diagrams can secure you all 20 internal marks.
Study Plan Based on Syllabus Weightage
A smart study plan prioritises topics by marks, not alphabetical order. Here is a realistic term-wise approach based on actual CISCE question paper patterns:
June – August: Foundation Topics
- Mathematics: Complete Commercial Mathematics (GST, Banking) — high marks, straightforward formulas
- Chemistry: Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding — conceptual foundation for later topics
- History: Civics section (Parliament, Executive, Judiciary) — factual, can be memorised early
- Physics: Force, Work, Energy, Machines — formulae-based, builds problem-solving habit
September – November: Heavy-Weightage Chapters
- Mathematics: Geometry (Circles, Similarity) and Algebra — 35–40 marks combined, needs sustained practice
- Biology: Genetics, Circulatory System, Nervous System — diagram-heavy, revise twice
- Chemistry: Mole Concept, Electrolysis, Metallurgy — frequently tested, numerical practice required
- Physics: Light (Refraction, Lenses), Electricity — derivations and numericals take time
December – January: Revision and Mock Tests
- Solve at least 5 years of CISCE specimen and past papers for every subject
- Focus on presentation: show all steps in Maths and Chemistry numericals
- Geography: Revise map work daily — 10–15 minutes is enough if done consistently
- English: Write one essay or letter every three days to maintain fluency
February: Pre-exam Consolidation
- Only revise, do not start new topics
- Read through your Biology diagrams and Chemistry equations every morning
- Time yourself on full-length papers to build exam stamina
For chapter-wise solutions and practice questions, refer to the Selina Concise series for Science and Maths, and ML Aggarwal for additional Maths practice — both are widely used in ICSE schools across India.
Download the Official Syllabus PDF
The complete, subject-wise ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026-27 is available directly from cisce.org under the Publications section. You can also download the compiled PDF version below:
📄 PDF Coming Soon” class=”btn-download”>📥 Download ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026-27 PDF
Always verify your downloaded PDF against the CISCE official website. Third-party syllabus documents circulating on social media are sometimes outdated or incomplete.
Related Resources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. As per the latest CISCE notification, there is no reduction in the ICSE Class 10 Syllabus for 2026-27. The complete syllabus as published on cisce.org is examinable. Students should avoid relying on older reduced-syllabus PDFs that circulated during the COVID years, as those are no longer valid.
Students must score a minimum of 33% in each individual subject to be considered passing. Scoring above 33% overall but below 33% in any single subject results in the student not passing that subject. There is no grace marks system — each subject is evaluated independently.
ICSE Class 10 students must study English (compulsory), one second language from Group I, and subjects from Groups II and III. English Language and Literature are both compulsory papers. In practice, most students study 6–7 subjects in total, including their chosen Group III elective.
CISCE does not prescribe a single textbook, but Selina Concise is the most widely used reference for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics in ICSE Class 10. ML Aggarwal is also popular for Mathematics. Note that NCERT does not publish ICSE textbooks — NCERT books follow the CBSE curriculum and are not aligned with the ICSE syllabus.
For Group I and II subjects, internal assessment is 20 out of 100 marks, evaluated by the school through practicals, project files, assignments, and activities as specified by CISCE. For Group III subjects like Computer Applications, internal assessment is 50 out of 100 marks — making it the dominant component. Marks are moderated by CISCE, not set entirely by the school.
No. CISCE has discontinued the compartment examination system. Students who do not pass one or two subjects are now eligible for an improvement examination held in July 2026. This replaces the old compartment system entirely. Students must check the official CISCE notification for eligibility criteria and registration deadlines.