Specimen Papers: ICSE and ISC PDF Downloads (61 Files)

This page hosts 61 specimen papers as direct PDF downloads for ICSE and ISC students across Classes 9 to 12. You will find official sample papers for core subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, alongside vocational subjects like Auto Service Technician and Cashier. Timing varies by subject and year; each paper states its own marks and duration.

Because CISCE issues these specimen papers to show the exact paper pattern, using them is the most direct way to understand what the board expects. You can also pair these with our broader ICSE books PDF free downloads and the full ICSE books index to build a complete study kit. For official syllabus updates, always check the CISCE board website.

Download ICSE Sample Papers PDF

These are the 61 sample papers PDFs hosted on icseboard.org for ICSE, organised by class and subject. Each section below explains what those papers cover before the download table.

Class 9 — Artificial Intelligence

This 2025 specimen paper covers Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Class 9. It is a 100-mark paper with a two-hour time limit. The paper uses two sections where Section A is compulsory and students attempt any four questions from Section B.

Class 9 — English

This group contains the Class 9 Literature in English (Paper 2) specimen paper from 2025. It is an 80-mark, two-hour paper divided into four sections. Section A is compulsory, and students must attempt one question from each of the remaining sections.

Class 9 — Regional Language

This group includes Bhutia Second Language specimen papers for Class 9 from 2026. The paper carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit. It has two sections, requiring students to attempt all questions from Section A and four questions from Section B.

Class 10 — Auto Service Technician

This 2026 ICSE specimen paper tests the Auto Service Technician vocational subject. It carries 100 marks and allows two hours. The paper follows the standard format where students attempt all of Section A and any four questions from Section B.

Class 10 — Biology

This group holds Class 10 Biology specimen and model papers from 2023 to 2026. The papers include multiple-choice questions in Section A and detailed questions in Section B.

Class 10 — Cashier

This 2026 specimen paper is for the Cashier vocational subject. It is a 100-mark paper with a two-hour duration. The structure requires students to complete all questions in Section A and choose any four from Section B.

Class 10 — Chemistry

This group features Class 10 Chemistry (Science Paper 2) specimen and model papers from 2023 to 2026. Section A is compulsory, with four questions to attempt from Section B.

Class 10 — Computer Science

This 2025 specimen paper covers Computer Applications for Class 10. It tests Java concepts including arrays, linear search, and string library functions. The paper includes multiple-choice questions and programming problems.

Class 10 — Data Entry Operator

This 2026 specimen paper covers the Basic Data Entry Operator vocational subject. It carries 100 marks with a two-hour time limit. Students must attempt all questions from Section A and any four from Section B.

Class 10 — Dietetic Aide

This 2026 specimen paper tests the Dietetic Aide vocational subject. It is a 100-mark, two-hour paper. The format requires completing Section A and selecting four questions from Section B.

Class 10 — English

This group contains Class 10 English Language (Paper 1) and Literature (Paper 2) specimen and model papers from 2023 to 2026. The Language paper requires a 300-350 word composition, while the Literature paper tests drama, poetry, and prose.

Class 10 — Geography

This group holds Class 10 Geography (HCG Paper 2) specimen and model papers from 2023 to 2026. Part I is compulsory, with five questions to attempt from Part II.

Class 10 — Hindi

This group includes Class 10 Hindi Second Language specimen papers from 2023 and 2025. The paper carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit. Section A is compulsory, and students attempt four questions from Section B covering the studied books.

Class 10 — History Civics

This group features Class 10 History and Civics (HCG Paper 1) specimen papers from 2023 to 2026. Part I is compulsory, with five questions from Part II.

Class 10 — Mathematics

This group contains Class 10 Mathematics specimen and model papers from 2023 to 2026. These are 80-mark papers with a two and a half hour time limit. The paper requires all questions from Section A and any four from Section B, with all working clearly shown.

Class 10 — Physics

This 2023 specimen paper covers Physics (Science Paper 1) for Class 10. It is an 80-mark, two-hour paper testing topics like machines, light, and electricity. Section A is compulsory, with four questions to attempt from Section B.

Class 10 — Science

This 2026 specimen paper covers Science Paper 1 (Physics) for Class 10. It carries 80 marks with a two-hour time limit. The paper follows the standard two-section format with compulsory and choice-based questions.

Class 11 — Artificial Intelligence

This 2026 specimen paper covers Artificial Intelligence (Paper 1 Theory) for Class 11. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has two parts with nine questions, requiring five questions from Part II.

Class 11 — English

This group includes Class 11 Elective English and Modern English Literature specimen papers from 2026. The papers include multiple-choice questions in Section A and essay questions in later sections.

Class 11 — Mathematics

This group contains Class 11 Mathematics and Applied Mathematics specimen papers from 2026. The Applied Mathematics paper has four sections with short and long answer questions.

Class 12 — Accounts

This 2026 specimen paper covers Accounts for Class 12. It carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with eighteen questions, requiring students to attempt either Section B or Section C.

Class 12 — Biology

This 2026 specimen paper covers Biology (Paper 1 Theory) for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has four sections with internal choices in Sections B, C, and D.

Class 12 — Business Studies

This 2026 specimen paper covers Business Studies for Class 12. It carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with thirteen questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Chemistry

This 2026 specimen paper covers Chemistry (Paper 1 Theory) for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has four sections with twenty-one questions, including fourteen one-mark subparts in Section A.

Class 12 — Commerce

This 2026 specimen paper covers Commerce for Class 12. It carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with thirteen compulsory questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Environmental Science

This 2024 specimen paper covers Environmental Science for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections testing objective, short answer, and long answer questions on environmental topics.

Class 12 — Geography

This 2026 specimen paper covers Geography for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper includes a map and has three sections with thirteen compulsory questions.

Class 12 — Legal Studies

This 2025 specimen paper covers Legal Studies for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with twelve compulsory questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Mass Media Communication

This 2025 specimen paper covers Mass Media and Communication for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with twelve questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Mathematics

This 2026 specimen paper covers Mathematics for Class 12. It carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with twenty-two questions, requiring students to attempt either Section B or Section C.

Class 12 — Physics

This 2026 specimen paper covers Physics (Paper 1 Theory) for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has four sections with twenty questions, including internal choices in Sections B, C, and D.

Class 12 — Psychology

This 2026 specimen paper covers Psychology for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with twelve compulsory questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Regional Language

This 2026 specimen paper covers Khasi for Class 12. It carries 80 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has two sections with fifteen questions, including multiple-choice questions in Section A.

Class 12 — Sociology

This 2026 specimen paper covers Sociology for Class 12. It carries 70 marks with a three-hour time limit plus fifteen minutes reading time. The paper has three sections with twelve compulsory questions, including very short answer questions in Section A.

How the 80-Mark and 100-Mark Papers Differ Across Classes

The specimen papers in the table above follow different structures depending on your class and subject. Understanding these differences before you start solving saves time and prevents panic during the actual exam.

Class 9 and 10 Paper Patterns

Class 9 and 10 papers generally use a two-section format. Section A is compulsory, and you must attempt a set number of questions from Section B. However, the marks and durations vary.

• Class 9 Artificial Intelligence (2025): 100 marks, two hours.
• Class 9 English Literature (2025): 80 marks, two hours.
• Class 9 Bhutia Second Language (2026): 80 marks, three hours.
• Class 10 Chemistry (2023): 80 marks, two hours.
• Class 10 Mathematics (2024): 80 marks, two and a half hours.
• Class 10 Hindi (2023): 80 marks, three hours.
• Class 10 Vocational Subjects (2026): 100 marks, two hours.

Class 11 and 12 Paper Patterns

ISC papers in Classes 11 and 12 add a dedicated reading time of fifteen minutes before the writing time begins. The structures also shift to three or four sections.

• Class 11 Artificial Intelligence (2026): 70 marks, three hours.
• Class 11 Applied Mathematics (2026): 80 marks, three hours, four sections.
• Class 12 Physics (2026): 70 marks, three hours, four sections.
• Class 12 Accounts (2026): 80 marks, three hours, three sections.

How to Use These Specimen Papers for Exam Preparation

Downloading the PDFs is only the first step. To get real value from these specimen papers, you need to use them the way the board intends. Treat each paper as a mock exam, not just a reading exercise.

1. Simulate the reading time: Set a timer for fifteen minutes before you start writing. Read the entire paper and mark the questions you know best.
2. Track the clock: Write down the exact time allowed for that specific paper. Stop writing the moment the time is up.
3. Follow the section rules: If the paper says attempt any four questions from Section B, count your answers. Do not answer five.
4. Check the mark tags: Look at the marks in brackets for each question. A 1-mark question needs one clear point. A 10-mark question needs full working and explanation.

For subjects like Mathematics and Accounts, the papers explicitly state that all working must be clearly shown. You lose marks for skipping steps, even if your final answer is correct.

Common Mistakes Students Make With Sample Papers

Students often lose marks by ignoring the instructions printed on the specimen paper. The board writes these instructions to test your ability to follow directions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Specimen Papers

Do these specimen papers include solutions?

No. This page hosts the question papers and guidance on how to approach them. We do not provide solved answer keys. You should attempt the papers yourself and check your answers with your teacher or textbook.

Why do some papers have 100 marks and others have 80?

The marks depend on the subject and class. For example, Class 10 vocational subjects like Cashier and Auto Service Technician carry 100 marks. Core academic subjects like Class 10 Chemistry and Biology carry 80 marks. Each paper states its own maximum marks at the top.

How much time do I get for the ICSE specimen papers?

Timing varies by subject and year. Class 10 Mathematics allows two and a half hours, while Class 10 Chemistry allows two hours. Class 10 Hindi allows three hours. Class 11 and 12 papers generally allow three hours, plus an additional fifteen minutes for reading. Always check the time stated on the specific paper you are solving.

Are these the official CISCE specimen papers?

Yes, these are CISCE-aligned specimen papers. They follow the exact paper pattern, section rules, and mark distributions that the board uses for its final exams. Use them to understand the format and difficulty level.

More ICSE study material on this site

• ICSE Books PDF Free
• ICSE Books

Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE textbook material (Classes 6-10).

Reference: CISCE-aligned ICSE textbook material (Classes 6-10).