ICSE Class 10 Half-Yearly Tests: 36 Subject PDFs

This page hosts 36 ICSE Class 10 half yearly tests and second-term exam PDFs for the 2026-27 session. You can download these icse class 10 half yearly tests across 15 subjects, from core papers like Mathematics and Physics to Commerce and Computer Science. Each PDF is a real past school exam paper, giving you a clear picture of the question format and marking scheme before your own tests begin.

For more subject-wise material, you can browse our main ICSE Class 10 hub or check our wider ICSE books collection. You can also verify syllabus updates on the official CISCE website. The official board page is the right place to confirm exam guidelines.

Download ICSE Class 10 Half-Yearly Tests PDF

These are the 36 half-yearly tests PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.

Biology

These Biology papers (2018, 2026) cover core topics like cell division, plant physiology, and human biology. The 2018 paper asks students to name specific biological structures and identify processes like osmosis. The 2026 paper uses a 15-mark multiple choice format covering translocation and phytohormones.

Chemistry

These Chemistry papers (2017, 2026) test fundamental concepts like hydrocarbon reactions, the periodic table, and electrolysis. The 2017 paper requires students to fill in blanks with correct terms and write balanced chemical equations. The 2026 paper shifts to a 15-mark MCQ format covering solutions and alloys.

Commerce

These Commercial Studies papers (2017, 2019) cover business concepts like banking, advertising, and warehousing. The 2017 paper asks short questions on promissory notes and overheads. The 2019 paper requires students to distinguish between concepts like shares and debentures, and primary and secondary markets.

Computer Science

This 2017 Computer Applications paper tests Java programming concepts. It asks students to define instance variables, differentiate between binary and linear search, and explain loop control statements like break and continue. The paper carries 100 marks.

Economics

These Economic Applications papers (2017, 2019) cover market structures, money, and banking. The 2017 paper asks students to define product differentiation and state the market form of commodities like railways. The 2019 paper requires longer answers on monopoly market structures and capital as a factor of production.

English

These English papers (2017, 2019, 2026) are split into Language and Literature. The Language paper requires a 350-400 word composition, with topics ranging from story writing to argumentative essays. The papers test writing skills, grammar, and comprehension, carrying 80 marks each.

General Knowledge

These General Knowledge papers (2018, 2019) test current affairs and static general knowledge. The 2018 paper asks students to name political leaders, identify acronyms like IPCC, and recall sports events. The paper carries 50 marks and lasts one hour.

Geography

These Geography papers (2017, 2019, 2026) test map reading skills and regional geography. The 2017 paper includes a survey of India map extract, requiring students to find grid references and identify settlements. The papers carry 80 marks with a compulsory map work section.

History Civics

These History and Civics papers (2017, 2019, 2026) cover the Indian government structure and historical events. The 2017 paper asks about the President's oath of office and ordinance powers. The papers carry 80 marks with a compulsory Part I and a choice-based Part II.

Mathematics

These Mathematics papers (2017, 2019, 2025, 2026) test algebra, geometry, and commercial arithmetic. The 2017 paper includes questions on simple and compound interest, inequations, and sales tax. The papers carry 80 marks and require students to attempt all of Section A.

Moral Science

This 2026 Moral Science paper tests ethical reasoning and values. It asks students to fill in blanks about honesty, obedience, and character. The paper carries 50 marks and includes true/false questions on moral choices.

Physical Education

This 2026 Physical Education paper tests knowledge of fitness and sports concepts. It asks students to define terms like power and agility, and identify the correct meaning of physical fitness. The paper carries 100 marks with a compulsory Section A.

Physics

These Physics papers (2018, 2019, 2025, 2026) cover sound, machines, and electricity. The 2018 paper asks for SI units of physical quantities and tests concepts like mechanical advantage and levers. The papers carry 80 marks with a 40-mark compulsory Section A.

Regional Language

This 2026 Punjabi paper tests essay writing, letter writing, and comprehension. It asks students to write an essay of at least 250 words on topics like student life and fashion, and write a letter to an editor about language issues. The paper carries 80 marks.

Supw

This 2026 SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work) paper assesses creativity and presentation skills. It asks students to attempt two questions, such as drawing a scenery, making a peace poster, or drawing a tigress with her cub. The paper carries 50 marks and grades students on neatness, composition, and originality.

What These Half-Yearly Papers Cover Inside

The downloads span from 2017 to 2026. They are split into two types: half-yearly exams (typically held mid-session) and second-term exams (held later in the year). Because these are school-level papers aligned with the CISCE curriculum, the formats vary slightly by year and school, but the topic coverage follows the board syllabus.

Most core subject papers carry 80 marks and follow a two-section structure. Section A is compulsory and covers short-answer and objective questions. Section B requires you to attempt a set number of longer, descriptive questions. Some elective subjects, like Economic Applications and Computer Applications, carry 100 marks. Smaller subjects like General Knowledge and Moral Science carry 50 marks.

Exam Mapping: Marks and Time Across Subjects

Because these papers come from different years and schools, the exact duration and marks vary. You must check each paper’s own instruction block for the correct details. The table below shows the facts exactly as they appear in the paper excerpts.

Notice that older papers from 2017 often list 2 Hrs 15 min as the total time. Newer papers from 2026 usually list 2 Hrs for a similar 80-mark paper, with a separate 15-minute reading window before writing begins. Always read the instruction block on the paper you download.

Recurring Question Types in These Papers

Certain question formats appear repeatedly across different years. Recognising them helps you prepare faster. The frequency data below comes only from the papers hosted on this page.

• Fill in the blanks with choices: Seen in Chemistry (2017) and Biology (2018). You must pick the correct term from options given in brackets.
• Name the following / Define terms: Seen in Biology (2018) and Commerce (2017). These test exact definitions and terminology.
• Multiple choice questions (MCQs): Seen in Biology (2026) and Chemistry (2026). Newer papers use 15-mark MCQ sections where you write only the correct answer.
• Distinguish between / Differentiate: Seen in Commerce (2019) and Economics (2019). You must compare two concepts point by point.
• Write balanced equations: Seen in Chemistry (2017). You must write and balance reactions from given prompts.
• Map work and survey extracts: Seen in Geography (2017). You must read grid references and identify features from a survey map.

How to Use These Papers for Exam Preparation

Downloading the PDFs is only the first step. To get real value, you need to use them like a mock exam. Here is a step-by-step method.

1. Pick a subject and year: Start with a paper from 2017 or 2018 for your first practice round. Save the 2025 and 2026 papers for closer to your actual exam.
2. Set a timer: Check the time allowed on the paper’s cover page. Set your timer for that exact duration. Do not pause it if you get stuck.
3. Attempt Section A first: This section is compulsory. Answer every question. Do not skip the short-answer or objective parts, as they carry easy marks.
4. Choose Section B questions wisely: Read all the options before you start writing. Pick the questions where you know the definitions and formulas best.
5. Check your answers: After the timer ends, use your textbook to verify your answers. Mark your own paper strictly. Note where you lost marks.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Studying

Students lose marks on half-yearly tests for predictable reasons. Avoid these common errors.

• Ignoring the reading time: The 15-minute reading window is for planning, not writing. Use it to read the composition topics in English or the long-answer choices in Biology.
• Skipping the mark tags: A question tagged [2] needs a short, two-point answer. A question tagged [7] needs detailed explanations with examples. Writing a paragraph for a 2-mark question wastes time.
• Unbalanced chemical equations: In Chemistry, students often write the products but forget to balance the atoms. Always check the atom count on both sides.
• Vague definitions: In subjects like Commerce and Economics, students write general descriptions instead of exact definitions. Use the exact textbook wording.
• Wrong grid references in Geography: Students mix up eastings and northings. Remember the rule: along the corridor and up the stairs.

Worked Example: Solving a Recurring Chemistry Question

The Chemistry 2017 paper asks students to fill in blanks with the correct terms from given options. Here is an example of how to solve that type of question.

Question prompt type: A saturated hydrocarbon will undergo ________ (addition/substitution) reaction, whereas unsaturated hydrocarbons undergo ________ (addition/substitution) reactions.

Step 1: Identify the hydrocarbon type. A saturated hydrocarbon has only single bonds. An unsaturated hydrocarbon has double or triple bonds.

Step 2: Apply the reaction rule. Single bonds are hard to break. They undergo substitution reactions, where one atom replaces another. Double and triple bonds are easier to break. They undergo addition reactions, where atoms add across the bond.

Step 3: Write the final answer. A saturated hydrocarbon will undergo substitution, whereas unsaturated hydrocarbons undergo addition reactions.

Marking Scheme Tips from the Paper Tags

The papers use bracketed numbers like [2], [5], or [15] to show the marks for each question. Your answer length must match the marks.

• For 1-mark or 2-mark questions: Write one clear sentence or a single formula. Do not explain unless asked.
• For 5-mark questions: Give five distinct points. If a question asks for two features, do not write five features hoping for extra marks. The examiner only looks for the required points.
• For 15-mark MCQ sections: Write only the correct option letter or number if the paper says “Do not copy the questions”. Writing the full question wastes time and earns no extra marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these official CISCE board exam papers?

No. These are school-level half-yearly and second-term examination papers. They are aligned with the CISCE Class 10 syllabus, but they are not the official board exam question papers. The official board papers are held at the end of the academic year.

Do the PDFs include solutions or marking schemes?

No. The downloads contain only the question papers. You must use your CISCE-aligned textbook and class notes to check your answers. The papers do show the mark allocation for each question, which helps you understand the expected answer length.

Why do the exam durations differ across papers?

The durations differ because the papers come from different years and different schools. Older papers from 2017 often state 2 Hrs 15 min as the total time. Newer papers from 2026 usually state 2 Hrs, with a separate 15-minute reading time before writing begins. Always check the cover page of the specific paper you download.

How should I use the 2025 and 2026 papers?

Use the 2025 and 2026 papers as your final mock tests. They are the closest to your current syllabus and exam pattern. Attempt them under strict exam conditions only after you have finished your textbook revision.

Can I rely only on these papers for exam preparation?

No. These papers are a practice tool. You must complete your textbook chapters, learn the formulas and definitions, and understand the concepts first. Use these papers to test that knowledge and improve your time management.

More ICSE study material on this site

• Class 10
• ICSE Books PDF Free
• ICSE Books

Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.