ICSE Class 10 Sample Papers: 2026 PDF Downloads & Guide

Find icse class 10 sample papers for the 2026 board exams right here. This page provides 38 specimen and model paper PDFs across 14 subjects, including core subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, plus vocational subjects. You can download these files directly to understand the exam pattern and practice effectively for your board exams.

Download ICSE Class 10 Sample Papers PDF

These are the 38 sample papers PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.

Auto Service Technician

The 2026 Auto Service Technician specimen paper is a 100-mark, two-hour exam. It follows the standard Section A (compulsory) and Section B (any four questions) format, testing practical knowledge relevant to the automotive service industry.

Biology

These Biology papers (Science Paper 3) from 2023 and 2025 are 80-mark, two-hour exams. They test topics like cell biology, human physiology, and plant hormones through MCQs, short-answer questions, and diagrams, following the compulsory Section A and optional Section B format.

Cashier

The 2026 Cashier specimen paper is a 100-mark, two-hour exam. It assesses practical skills for the cashier role, requiring students to attempt all questions in Section A and any four from Section B.

Chemistry

These Chemistry papers (Science Paper 2) from 2023 and 2025 are 80-mark, two-hour exams. They cover topics like electrolytes, periodic properties, and chemical bonding, starting with a 15-mark MCQ section in Section A before moving to descriptive questions in Section B.

Computer Science

The 2025 Computer Applications paper tests Java programming concepts. It covers arrays, linear search, String library functions, and method calls, requiring students to choose correct options and write code snippets.

Data Entry Operator

The 2026 Basic Data Entry Operator specimen paper is a 100-mark, two-hour exam. It tests practical data entry skills and knowledge, following the standard Section A and Section B question format.

Dietetic Aide

The 2026 Dietetic Aide specimen paper is a 100-mark, two-hour exam. It tests knowledge of nutrition and dietary management, requiring students to complete compulsory questions in Section A and select four from Section B.

English

These English Language and Literature papers from 2023, 2025, and 2026 test composition writing, letter writing, grammar, and comprehension. The Language paper includes a 20-mark composition question with a strict 30-minute time limit, while the Literature paper covers prescribed texts and drama.

Geography

These Geography papers (HCG Paper 2) from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are 80-mark, two-hour exams. They include map work using a Survey of India Map Sheet, topographical analysis, and questions on Indian geography, split into compulsory Part I and optional Part II.

Hindi

These Hindi (Second Language) papers from 2023 and 2025 are 80-mark exams. The 2023 paper allows three hours and requires answering questions from two studied books, testing grammar, comprehension, and literature.

History Civics

These History and Civics papers (HCG Paper 1) from 2023, 2025, and 2026 are 80-mark, two-hour exams. They cover the Indian Constitution, government structure, and modern Indian history, split into compulsory Part I and optional Part II with specific question count requirements.

Mathematics

These Mathematics papers from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are 80-mark exams allowing two and a half hours. They test algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics, with strict instructions to show all essential working to avoid losing marks.

Physics

The 2023 Physics specimen paper (Science Paper 1) is an 80-mark, two-hour exam. It covers topics like force, energy, light, and electricity, starting with a 15-mark MCQ section in compulsory Section A, followed by descriptive problems in Section B.

Science

The 2026 Science specimen paper (Physics, Science Paper 1) is an 80-mark, two-hour exam. It tests physics concepts through compulsory Section A questions and optional Section B questions, focusing on mechanics, optics, and electricity.

How the 2026 ICSE Exam Pattern Works

The specimen papers reveal the exact structure of the board exams. The pattern differs between core academic subjects and vocational subjects. You must check the specific instructions on each paper before starting your timer.

Core Academic Subjects

Most core subjects follow an 80-mark format. The 2026 Physics (Science Paper 1) and the 2023 Chemistry (Science Paper 2) and Biology (Science Paper 3) papers are all 80-mark papers. They follow a Section A and Section B format.

• Section A (40 marks): Compulsory. You must attempt all questions, starting with a 15-mark multiple-choice question block.
• Section B (40 marks): You attempt any four questions out of the provided options.

Time limits vary by subject. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology allow two hours. Mathematics allows two and a half hours. Hindi (Second Language) allows three hours and requires answering at least one question from each of the two books you studied.

Vocational Subjects

Vocational papers like Auto Service Technician, Cashier, Data Entry Operator, and Dietetic Aide carry 100 marks. The time allowed is two hours. Like core subjects, they require you to attempt all questions in Section A and any four from Section B.

How to Use These Specimen Papers for Preparation

Downloading the PDFs is only the first step. To get the most out of these icse class 10 sample papers, you need a structured approach to your practice.

1. Simulate exam conditions: Print the paper, sit at a desk without your phone, and set a timer for the exact duration stated on the paper.
2. Read the 15-minute reading rule: Every paper states you cannot write during the first 15 minutes. Use this time to read the paper and plan your answers, especially for English compositions and Geography map work.
3. Show all working: The Mathematics paper explicitly warns that omission of essential working will result in loss of marks. Write every formula and calculation step.
4. Check mark tags: Look at the numbers in brackets like [15] or [20]. A 15-mark MCQ section needs speed, while a 20-mark English composition needs depth and structure.

You can find the full textbook content for these subjects on our ICSE books page. For subject-specific class notes and solutions, visit our main Class 10 hub. For official board updates, always refer to the CISCE official website.

Common Mistakes Students Make with Sample Papers

Students often lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they misunderstand the paper requirements. Here are the most common errors to avoid:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sample papers are available for download?

There are 38 PDFs available for download. These cover 14 subjects, including core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as vocational subjects like Cashier and Dietetic Aide.

What is the duration of the ICSE Class 10 Mathematics exam?

The Mathematics specimen paper allows two and a half hours. In contrast, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers allow two hours. The Hindi Second Language paper allows three hours.

Are the vocational subject papers 80 marks like the core subjects?

No. Vocational subjects like Auto Service Technician, Cashier, Data Entry Operator, and Dietetic Aide carry 100 marks. Core Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology carry 80 marks.

Do I need to answer all questions in Section A?

Yes. Section A is compulsory across all subjects. You must attempt all questions in Section A. In Section B, you choose any four questions to answer.

More ICSE study material on this site

• Class 10
• ICSE Books PDF Free
• ICSE Books

Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.