ICSE Class 10 Specimen Papers Mathematics PDF
Download all 4 icse class 10 specimen papers mathematics PDFs here. These cover the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. They help you practise the exact CISCE paper format before the board exam.
Download ICSE Class 10 Mathematics Sample Papers PDF
These are the 4 sample papers PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE Class 10 Mathematics, organised by subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.
This group contains 4 mathematics specimen papers from 2023 to 2026. Each paper is an 80-mark exam split into compulsory Section A and optional Section B. The 2026 paper updates the time limit to three hours, while the 2023 to 2025 papers allow two and a half hours.
| Paper | Download |
|---|---|
| Specimen Mathematics (2026) | Download PDF |
| Specimen Mathematics (2025) | Download PDF |
| Specimen Mathematics (2023) | Download PDF |
| Model Mathematics (2024) | Download PDF |
What the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Papers Look Like
The 2023, 2024, and 2025 specimen papers share an identical structure. Each is an 80-mark paper with a time allowance of two and a half hours. You get a 15-minute reading window before you start writing.
Every paper splits into two sections. Section A is compulsory and you must attempt all questions. Section B gives you a choice, where you attempt any four questions. The instructions clearly state that omission of essential working results in a loss of marks, so you must show every step on the same answer sheet.
Section A always begins with Question 1, a 15-mark multiple-choice section. The paper instructs you not to copy the question and to write only the correct answers. Mathematical tables are provided inside the paper.
How the 2026 Specimen Paper Changes
The 2026 specimen paper changes the time limit. It is still an 80-mark paper, but the time allowed increases to three hours. The 15-minute reading rule and the two-section format remain the same.
The 2026 paper also adds a visible Instruction for the Supervising Examiner. This note tells the supervisor to read the instructions aloud to all candidates. The paper states it is a practice tool and that board exam questions can come from any part of the syllabus.
Topics That Appear Across Multiple Years
Looking at the opening questions from 2023, 2024, and 2025, certain topics repeat in the 15-mark MCQ section. These are high-frequency areas you should prioritise during revision.
| Topic | What the Excerpt Shows | Years Seen |
|---|---|---|
| GST and Tax Liability | Calculating SGST rates and shopkeeper tax liability | 2023, 2025 |
| Quadratic Equations | Checking the discriminant for real and equal roots | 2023, 2025 |
| Matrix Operations | Testing if AB or BA is possible based on matrix order | 2024, 2025 |
| Factor Theorem | Finding the remainder when dividing polynomials | 2025 |
| Arithmetic Progressions | Solving for an unknown variable in an AP sequence | 2025 |
| Coordinate Geometry | Finding coordinates after reflection in the x-axis | 2025 |
Worked Examples for Recurring Questions
Use these original examples to practise the recurring question types from the MCQ sections. They mirror the style and difficulty of the specimen papers without copying the exact board questions.
Example 1: Matrix Multiplication Order
The 2024 and 2025 papers test whether you know when matrix multiplication is possible. Matrix multiplication AB is only defined if the number of columns in A equals the number of rows in B.
Let A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \end{bmatrix} be a 1 × 3 matrix. Let B = \begin{bmatrix} 4 \\ 5 \\ 6 \end{bmatrix} be a 3 × 1 matrix.
- For AB: Columns in A (3) = Rows in B (3). So, AB is possible and yields a 1 × 1 matrix.
- For BA: Columns in B (1) = Rows in A (1). So, BA is also possible and yields a 3 × 3 matrix.
Example 2: Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation
The 2023 and 2025 papers ask about the nature of roots. You find this using the discriminant, D = b^2 – 4ac.
If D = 0, the roots are real and equal. If D > 0, the roots are real and unequal. If D < 0, the roots are imaginary.
Take the equation 2x^2 – 8x + 8 = 0. Here, a = 2, b = -8, and c = 8.
Calculate the discriminant: D = (-8)^2 – 4(2)(8) = 64 – 64 = 0. Since D = 0, the roots are real and equal.
Example 3: Factor Theorem Application
The 2025 paper uses the Factor Theorem to test polynomial division. The theorem states that if (x – k) is a factor of a polynomial P(x), then P(k) = 0.
To find the remainder when dividing x^3 – 2x^2 + 3x – 4 by (x – 2), substitute x = 2 into the polynomial.
P(2) = (2)^3 – 2(2)^2 + 3(2) – 4 = 8 – 8 + 6 – 4 = 2. The remainder is 2.
How to Use These Specimen Papers for Preparation
These papers show you the exact format of the board exam. Use them to build speed and accuracy under real conditions. You can find more Class 10 resources and textbooks on our site to support your revision.
- Simulate the exam: Pick the 2026 paper. Set a timer for three hours. Sit at a desk and attempt the paper without breaks.
- Show all working: The instructions warn that omitting essential working loses marks. Write every step, including rough calculations, on the same answer sheet.
- Review the 15-mark MCQ: Question 1 carries nearly 20% of the total marks. Practise quick, accurate MCQs first so you bank those marks early.
- Manage Section B choices: You must attempt four questions. Read all options first. Choose the four you know best before you start writing.
Common Mistakes Students Make with Specimen Papers
Students often lose marks by treating specimen papers as casual reading. The board instructions highlight specific errors to avoid.
- Skipping rough work: The paper states all working must be clearly shown. Doing calculations in your head or on scrap paper loses marks.
- Ignoring the reading time: You get 15 minutes before writing starts. Use this to read Section B and decide which four questions you will attempt.
- Copying MCQ questions: The 2024 paper explicitly says “Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.” Writing the full question wastes time.
- Forgetting the time change: The 2026 paper allows three hours, but the 2023 to 2025 papers allow two and a half hours. Always check the time allowed at the head of the paper.
How Marks Are Distributed Across the Paper
The marking scheme relies on the intended marks shown in brackets [ ] next to each question. Understanding this distribution helps you decide how much detail to write.
| Mark Tag | What the Examiner Expects |
|---|---|
| [15] | Question 1 MCQ. Write only the correct option. No working needed. |
| [3] or [4] | Short answer questions. Show key formulas and direct calculations. |
| [10] | Long answer questions in Section B. Show full step-by-step working, diagrams, and final statements. |
For official updates and syllabus details, you can always check the CISCE official website. You may also browse our ICSE books PDF free collection for more study material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many specimen papers can I download here?
You can download 4 mathematics specimen papers. They cover the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
What is the time allowed for the 2026 specimen paper?
The 2026 specimen paper allows three hours for writing. The 2023, 2024, and 2025 papers allow two and a half hours. Always check the time printed at the head of the paper.
Do I need to show rough work in the exam?
Yes. The instructions on every paper state that all working, including rough work, must be clearly shown. You must do it on the same sheet as the rest of the answer. Omitting essential working results in a loss of marks.
How many questions do I attempt in each section?
You must attempt all questions from Section A. In Section B, you choose and attempt any four questions.
Are these specimen papers solved?
No. These are unsolved specimen papers provided for practice. They give you the real exam format so you can test yourself under timed conditions.
More ICSE study material on this site
Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE Class 10 textbook material.