ICSE Class 10 Quarterly Tests Physics: 4 Papers
Download the icse class 10 quarterly tests physics papers on this page. The table holds 4 PDFs from past school term exams, covering the years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2026. You get the original question papers plus exam guidance on how to use them for revision.
These papers test the first-term syllabus. The topics include Force, Work, Energy and Power, Machines, and Refraction of Light. You can pair these tests with the main Class 10 Physics resources and the CISCE-aligned textbook for full preparation. For official syllabus updates, check the CISCE website.
Download ICSE Class 10 Physics Quarterly Tests PDF
These are the 4 quarterly tests PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10 Physics, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.
This group contains 4 Class 10 Physics quarterly and first-term test papers from 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2026. Each paper is an 80-mark exam covering the first-term syllabus: Force, Work Energy and Power, Machines, and Refraction of Light. The questions include definitions, numerical problems on levers and energy, and ray diagrams for lenses.
| Paper | Download |
|---|---|
| Quarterly Physics (2018) | Download PDF |
| First Term Physics (2026) | Download PDF |
| Quarterly Physics (2019) | Download PDF |
| First Term Physics Aug (2021) | Download PDF |
What These Quarterly Papers Cover Inside
Each paper in the table is a full school term examination. They all carry 80 marks and test the same four early chapters. The questions mix direct definitions, derivations, and numerical problems.
- Force: Turning forces, moment of a force, and equilibrium.
- Work, Energy and Power: Calculating work done, energy changes, and power usage.
- Machines: Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and levers.
- Refraction of Light: Refractive index, apparent depth, and lens ray diagrams.
Exam Pattern and Timing Across the Years
The papers follow a two-section format, but the timings differ by year. You must check each paper’s own instructions before practising.
| Year | Marks | Time Allowed | Section Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80 | 2 hrs | Section A (40 marks) compulsory; Section B (40 marks) choice |
| 2019 | 80 | 2 hrs 15 min | Section A (40 marks) compulsory; Section B (40 marks) choice |
| 2021 | 80 | Not stated in excerpt | Section I (40 marks) compulsory; Section II (40 marks) choice |
| 2026 | 80 | 2 hrs | Section A (40 marks) compulsory; Section B (40 marks) choice |
The 2026 paper includes a 15-minute reading time before you start writing. The 2019 paper allows an extra 15 minutes of writing time compared to the 2018 and 2026 papers. The 2021 paper uses “Section I” and “Section II” instead of “A” and “B”.
Topic Frequency Across the Papers
Some question types appear repeatedly across the years. Practising these recurring topics gives you the best return on your study time.
- Moment of force and levers: Asked in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2026. You must know the definition, SI unit, and lever calculations.
- Energy changes and power calculations: Asked in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Questions cover electrical energy cost and energy transformations.
- Refraction and lenses: Asked in 2019, 2021, and 2026. You must draw ray diagrams and solve apparent depth problems.
- Work and kinetic energy: Asked in 2018 and 2019. These are numerical problems linking momentum and energy.
Worked Examples for Recurring Questions
Here are two original worked examples modelled on the highest-frequency question types from these papers.
Example 1: Mechanical Advantage of a Lever
A nut needs a 40 kgf force to break. You use a nutcracker with a 20 cm handle. The nut sits 2 cm from the hinge. Find the minimum force needed.
Use the principle of moments. The load arm is 2 cm, and the effort arm is 20 cm.
\text{Effort} \times 20 = 40 \times 2
\text{Effort} = \frac{40 \times 2}{20} = 4 \text{ kgf}
The minimum force required is 4 kgf. This matches the style of the 2019 paper’s nutcracker question.
Example 2: Apparent Depth Calculation
A pond appears to be 54 m deep. The refractive index of water is 4/3. Find the actual depth.
Use the formula linking real depth, apparent depth, and refractive index.
\mu = \frac{\text{Real Depth}}{\text{Apparent Depth}}
\frac{4}{3} = \frac{\text{Real Depth}}{54}
\text{Real Depth} = 54 \times \frac{4}{3} = 72 \text{ m}
The actual depth of the pond is 72 m. This mirrors the 2019 paper’s refraction question.
How to Use These Papers for Exam Preparation
Use these papers to test yourself after finishing a chapter. Do not look at the solutions or notes while attempting a full paper. Set a timer matching the paper’s exact duration.
- Start with the 2026 paper to understand the latest format and MCQ style.
- Attempt the 2018 and 2019 papers under timed conditions.
- Use the 2021 paper to practise short-answer questions on force and lenses.
- Check your answers against your textbook notes and mark yourself strictly.
After marking, write down every mistake in a separate notebook. Note whether you lost marks for a wrong formula, a missing unit, or a calculation error. Review this notebook before your next test.
Common Mistakes Students Make While Studying
Students lose marks on these papers for predictable reasons. Avoid these errors to improve your score.
- Missing units in numerical answers: A correct number without the unit (like writing 72 instead of 72 m) loses a mark.
- Wrong ray diagrams: For lens questions, students often draw rays that do not pass through the focal point. Follow the two standard rays rule.
- Confusing MA and VR: Mechanical advantage is load divided by effort. Velocity ratio is effort distance divided by load distance. Do not mix them up.
- Ignoring the 15-minute reading time: The 2026 paper gives 15 minutes to read before writing. Use this time to pick your Section B questions.
Marking Guidance from the Paper Tags
The papers use bracketed numbers like [2] or [15] to show marks per question. Your answer length must match the marks.
- [2] mark questions: Give a definition or a one-line answer. State the formula and the final value with a unit.
- [3] mark questions: Show the full working. Write the formula, substitute the values, and state the answer with a unit.
- [4] mark questions: Draw a neat, labelled diagram if asked. Show step-by-step working for numerical problems.
- [15] mark MCQ (2026 paper): Write only the correct option. Do not copy the question.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quarterly test papers are available for download?
There are 4 Physics papers available. They cover the years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2026.
Do all these papers have the same time duration?
No. The 2018 and 2026 papers allow 2 hours. The 2019 paper allows 2 hours and 15 minutes. The 2021 paper does not state its duration in the provided excerpt.
What is the total marks for each paper?
Every paper carries a total of 80 marks, divided into two sections of 40 marks each.
Which topics should I study for these quarterly tests?
You should study Force, Work Energy and Power, Machines, and Refraction of Light. These are the first-term chapters from the CISCE-aligned Class 10 Physics syllabus.
More ICSE study material on this site
Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.