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icse class 9 books

ICSE Class 9 Books

ICSE Class 9 Books: Subject-wise Textbooks & Solutions (2025-26)

If you’ve just moved into Class 9 under the ICSE board, the first thing you need is the right set of textbooks. The ICSE Class 9 books prescribed by CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) form the foundation for everything you’ll study in Class 10 — and eventually for your board exams. Getting familiar with the correct editions early saves a lot of confusion later. The official ICSE syllabus for 2025-26 is available on cisce.org.

Class 9 is not an exam year in the ICSE board — there are no external board exams at this stage — but the syllabus is rigorous and directly connected to the Class 10 board pattern. Most schools follow internal assessments with 80 marks for written exams and 20 marks for project or practical work (mirroring the Class 10 structure). Building strong conceptual clarity now, using the right textbooks, will make Class 10 significantly easier to handle.

Subject-wise ICSE Class 9 Textbooks

Below is a complete breakdown of every major subject, the prescribed or most widely used textbook, and links to chapter-wise solutions to help you practise effectively.

1. Mathematics

The Class 9 Maths syllabus under ICSE covers topics including Pure Arithmetic (rational and irrational numbers), Commercial Mathematics (compound interest, GST), Algebra (expansions, factorisation, simultaneous equations, indices), Geometry (triangles, mid-point theorem, Pythagoras), Statistics, Mensuration, and Trigonometry (introduction). The depth is noticeably higher than most other boards at this level.

The two most widely used textbooks are Selina Concise Mathematics Class 9 (published by Selina Publishers) and ML Aggarwal Understanding ICSE Mathematics Class 9 (published by APC Books). Most ICSE schools recommend one of these two. Selina is more concise; ML Aggarwal has a wider variety of practice problems.

2. Physics

Class 9 Physics introduces students to Measurements & Experimentation, Motion in One Dimension, Laws of Motion, Fluids (pressure, upthrust, Archimedes’ Principle), Heat & Energy, Light (reflection, refraction), and Sound. These chapters are foundational — everything you study here reappears in a more advanced form in Class 10.

The standard reference for ICSE Class 9 Physics is Selina Concise Physics Class 9. It aligns directly with the CISCE syllabus and includes in-text questions, numerical problems, and structured exercises that match the school exam pattern.

3. Chemistry

The Class 9 Chemistry syllabus covers the Language of Chemistry, Chemical Changes & Reactions, Water, Atomic Structure & Chemical Bonding, The Periodic Table, Study of the First Element (Hydrogen), Study of Gas Laws, Atmospheric Pollution, and Practical Chemistry. This is where students first engage seriously with chemical equations and bonding concepts.

Selina Concise Chemistry Class 9 is the go-to textbook for this subject at the ICSE level. It breaks down complex topics like chemical bonding and gas laws into clear, step-by-step explanations with diagrams.

4. Biology

Class 9 Biology under ICSE introduces Basic Biology (cell theory, cell organelles), Flowering Plants (their structure and functions), Plant Physiology (photosynthesis, transpiration), Diversity in Living Organisms, Economic Importance of Bacteria and Fungi, and Pollution. The subject requires strong diagram work — labelled diagrams carry significant marks in school exams.

The prescribed textbook most schools follow is Selina Concise Biology Class 9. It includes detailed diagrams, structured questions, and short notes that are ideal for exam revision.

5. English Language

English Language at the Class 9 level focuses on developing writing skills — formal and informal letters, notices, reports, compositions — along with grammar (tenses, voice, narration, sentence transformation) and comprehension passages. This paper is Paper 1 in the ICSE English structure and carries significant weight.

Most schools use Wren & Martin High School English Grammar for grammar practice, alongside school-prescribed workbooks. For composition and comprehension, many teachers use additional practice booklets. There is no single universally prescribed English Language textbook, but your school will specify one.

6. English Literature

English Literature (Paper 2) at Class 9 typically includes prescribed prose selections, poetry, and a drama text — commonly from publishers like Evergreen or Morning Star. The exact texts vary by school, but CISCE specifies the list of approved literary works. Students are expected to answer questions on themes, character, and close textual reading.

Check with your school to confirm the exact prescribed texts. Common choices include Treasure Trove (a collection of short stories and poems) published by Evergreen Publications, and a prescribed drama such as a Shakespeare play or a modern play.

7. History & Civics

The Class 9 History & Civics syllabus covers two broad sections. History topics typically include the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism in Europe, and the rise of colonialism. Civics covers the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights & Duties, and the functioning of the Union Government. Both sections are tested together in a single paper.

The most commonly used textbook is Total History & Civics Class 9 published by Morning Star, along with Candid History & Civics as an alternative used in many schools.

8. Geography

Class 9 Geography under ICSE is focused entirely on India — its physical, economic, and social geography. Topics include India’s location and size, physiographic divisions, drainage systems, climate, natural vegetation, soils, agriculture, industries, and population. Map work is a compulsory part of the syllabus and carries dedicated marks in school exams.

Total Geography Class 9 by Morning Star is widely used in ICSE schools. Some schools also use Voyage — A Complete Geography (Evergreen). Make sure you practise map work regularly — it’s an easy scoring area that students often ignore.

9. Hindi

ICSE Class 9 Hindi covers reading comprehension (unseen passages), writing skills (letters, essays, stories), grammar (sandhi, samas, alankar, ras), and a literature component with prescribed prose and poetry. The prescribed texts vary by school, but CISCE provides an approved list of Hindi literature books.

Common textbooks include Sahitya Sagar (published by Evergreen) for literature and school-specific grammar workbooks. Confirm the exact prescribed text with your school since multiple options are available under the CISCE framework.

10. Computer Applications

Computer Applications is a popular elective subject in Class 9 ICSE. The syllabus introduces students to computer hardware concepts, number systems, programming basics, and — most importantly — Java (BlueJ environment). Students learn OOP concepts like classes, objects, methods, and control structures. This subject can be a high-scoring paper with consistent practice.

Sumita Arora’s Computer Applications with Java and APC Understanding Computer Applications with BlueJ (by Sucheta Manchanda) are both widely used. Many schools also refer to ICSE Computer Applications (Java) by D.S. Malik or Pradeep & Pavan Kumar.

Quick Reference: ICSE Class 9 Books at a Glance

Subject Primary Textbook Publisher
Mathematics Selina Concise Mathematics Selina Publishers
Physics Selina Concise Physics Selina Publishers
Chemistry Selina Concise Chemistry Selina Publishers
Biology Selina Concise Biology Selina Publishers
English Language Wren & Martin (Grammar) S. Chand
English Literature Treasure Trove Evergreen Publications
History & Civics Total History & Civics Morning Star
Geography Total Geography Morning Star
Hindi Sahitya Sagar Evergreen Publications
Computer Applications Understanding Computer Applications (BlueJ) APC Books

Class 9 Assessment Pattern Under ICSE

Since Class 9 is an internal year (no CISCE board exams), your school sets its own exam schedule. However, CISCE mandates that schools follow the same internal structure that mirrors Class 10. Here’s what you should know:

  • Written exams: Typically 80 marks (end of term or annual exams set by your school)
  • Internal Assessment: 20 marks (projects, practicals, assignments depending on subject)
  • Passing criterion: Schools generally follow 33% as the minimum passing mark, consistent with CISCE norms
  • Science subjects: Practical work and lab records contribute to the 20-mark internal component
  • Computer Applications: Practical programming assessments are part of the 20-mark internal

Your Class 9 marks directly impact your standing for Class 10 board preparation. Schools use Class 9 performance to track students who may need additional support. Treat it seriously — the habit of studying chapter by chapter (rather than cramming) built in Class 9 pays off enormously during board preparation.

Effective Study Tips for ICSE Class 9

These are practical strategies used by students who handle the ICSE workload well — not generic advice, but approaches that specifically work for this syllabus.

Work Through Solved Examples Before Attempting Exercises

In Selina Maths and Science books, solved examples aren’t just demonstrations — they show you the exact method the examiner expects. Before attempting the exercise questions in any chapter, read every solved example carefully. In Class 9 Maths, this is especially important for chapters like Compound Interest, Factorisation, and Trigonometry where the method matters as much as the answer.

Draw Diagrams for Biology and Physics — Every Time

In Biology, never write an answer about cell organelles, photosynthesis, or plant parts without drawing the relevant diagram. Even in school exams, diagrams fetch separate marks. The same applies to ray diagrams in Physics (reflection and refraction chapters). Make it a habit now so it’s automatic by Class 10.

Don’t Skip History and Geography Map Work

Map work in Geography is straightforward — it’s pure memory and practice. Students who practise marking rivers, mountain ranges, soils, and crops on blank maps of India score consistently well. Set aside 15 minutes, three times a week, just for map work. Similarly, in History, making a timeline of events for each chapter helps you remember dates without cramming.

Practise Java Programs by Hand Before Typing Them

For Computer Applications, write programs in your notebook before running them on a computer. This trains you to write correct syntax on paper — exactly what the board exam (and your school exams) will require. Trace through programs step by step and predict output before checking.

Use the Solutions as a Learning Tool, Not a Shortcut

Chapter solutions (like those linked above for each subject) are most useful when you use them to understand where you went wrong, not to copy answers. Attempt the question first, then check the solution. This is the single most effective way to build the problem-solving skill that ICSE exams test.

For more subject-specific resources, explore our complete Icse Books and our Selina Solutions for all classes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions


No. ICSE Class 9 books are not NCERT books. NCERT publishes textbooks for CBSE schools. ICSE schools use publishers like Selina, ML Aggarwal, Morning Star, and Evergreen. NCERT books are not prescribed by CISCE for the ICSE curriculum.


The two most widely recommended options are Selina Concise Mathematics Class 9 and ML Aggarwal Understanding ICSE Mathematics Class 9. Selina is more structured and concise, while ML Aggarwal offers a broader variety of practice problems. Check which one your school prescribes before purchasing.


No. CISCE does not conduct any external board examination for Class 9. Exams at this level are internal school exams set by your own school. However, the pattern closely mirrors the Class 10 ICSE board structure — 80 marks written and 20 marks internal assessment — so the experience is very similar.


PDF links for each subject are provided in the relevant subject sections on this page. These include Selina textbook PDFs and supplementary material. Always verify that the edition matches your current school’s prescribed textbook before using any downloaded PDF for study.


As per CISCE norms, Class 9 students must study English (Language and Literature), one Indian Language (like Hindi), History & Civics, Geography, Mathematics, and at least one Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology). Most students take all three sciences. Computer Applications is a popular elective choice.


Yes. Selina Concise textbooks for Class 9 (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) are structured to cover the complete CISCE syllabus for that subject. However, always cross-check against the official syllabus document available on cisce.org, as CISCE occasionally updates the syllabus between academic years.