ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026 — All Subjects Complete List
ICSE Class 10 syllabus 2026 for all subjects — Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, History, Geography.
ICSE Class 10 has 6–7 subjects with separate papers for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (unlike CBSE's combined Science). Each subject has 80 marks external + 20 marks internal assessment. ICSE is known for its detailed English Literature, History, and Geography syllabuses.
Mathematics
| Unit | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Mathematics | GST, Banking (Recurring Deposits), Shares & Dividends | 10 |
| Algebra | Linear Inequations, Quadratic Equations, Ratio & Proportion, Remainder & Factor Theorem, Matrices, AP/GP | 20 |
| Geometry | Similarity, Circles (Tangent, Secant, Chord properties), Constructions, Loci | 20 |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Identities, Heights & Distances | 10 |
| Mensuration | Cylinder, Cone, Sphere (Surface Area & Volume) | 8 |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, Median, Mode (grouped data), Ogive, Probability | 8 |
| Coordinate Geometry | Distance, Section Formula, Equation of Line, Slope | 4 |
| Total (External) | 80 | |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | |
Key difference from CBSE: ICSE Maths includes GST, Banking, and Shares & Dividends (commercial maths) which CBSE does not have. Also includes Matrices which CBSE covers only in Class 12.
Physics (Science Paper 1)
| Unit | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Force, Work, Power & Energy | Turning forces, Uniform circular motion, Work-Energy theorem | 15 |
| Light | Refraction, Lenses, Power of lens, Total internal reflection | 15 |
| Sound | Reflection of sound, Echo, Natural frequency, Forced vibrations | 10 |
| Electricity & Magnetism | Ohm's Law, Resistance, EMF, Household circuits, Magnetic field, Electromagnets | 15 |
| Heat | Calorimetry, Specific heat capacity, Change of state, Latent heat | 10 |
| Modern Physics | Radioactivity, Nuclear fission/fusion, Background radiation | 5 |
| Total (External) | 80* | |
| Practical + Internal Assessment | 20 | |
Chemistry (Science Paper 2)
| Unit | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Table | Periodic properties, Groups & Periods, Trends | 10 |
| Chemical Bonding | Electrovalent, Covalent bonding, Properties | 8 |
| Acids, Bases & Salts | pH, Indicators, Neutralisation, Preparation of salts | 10 |
| Analytical Chemistry | Tests for gases (H₂, O₂, CO₂, Cl₂, HCl, SO₂, NH₃), Action of NaOH/NH₄OH on salt solutions | 10 |
| Mole Concept & Stoichiometry | Mole, Avogadro's number, Empirical/Molecular formula, Chemical equations | 10 |
| Electrolysis | Electrolytes, Electrodes, Selective discharge, Applications | 8 |
| Metallurgy | Extraction of Aluminium & Iron, Alloys | 6 |
| Organic Chemistry | Hydrocarbons (Methane, Ethene, Ethyne), Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Homologous series | 8 |
| Total (External) | 80* | |
ICSE chapter-wise preparation
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Start ICSE Prep — FreeBiology (Science Paper 3)
| Unit | Topics | Marks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | Cell cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis | 8 |
| Genetics | Mendel's laws, Monohybrid & Dihybrid cross, Sex determination | 10 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | Circulatory system, Excretory system, Nervous system, Endocrine system, Reproductive system | 30 |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, Transpiration, Absorption by roots | 12 |
| Pollution | Air, Water, Soil pollution, Sources, Control measures | 5 |
| Health & Hygiene | Diseases, Immunity, AIDS, Drugs | 5 |
| Total (External) | 80* | |
English Language (Paper 1)
| Section | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Essay, Letter, Short Story, Speech/Report, Email | 25 |
| Directed Writing | Notice, Report, Email based on given information | 10 |
| Grammar & Vocabulary | Sentence transformation, Phrasal verbs, Fill in blanks, Comprehension | 25 |
| Comprehension | Unseen passage with questions | 20 |
| Total (External) | 80 | |
English Literature (Paper 2)
| Section | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Drama | Shakespeare play — The Merchant of Venice (extract-based + essay questions) | 16 |
| Poetry | Collection of prescribed poems — Treasure Trove (extract-based + appreciation) | 16 |
| Prose | Short stories from Treasure Trove (extract-based + character/theme analysis) | 16 |
| Total (External) | 80* | |
History & Civics
| Part | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Civics | Union Legislature (Parliament), Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Court) | 30 |
| History | Indian National Movement (1857–1947), World Wars (causes, consequences), UN & its agencies, Non-Aligned Movement | 50 |
| Total (External) | 80 | |
Geography
| Part | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Map Work | Topographical maps (reading, interpretation), Physical & Political maps of India | 20 |
| India — Physical | Climate (monsoons, seasons), Soil types, Natural vegetation | 20 |
| India — Economic | Agriculture (rice, wheat, tea, cotton), Minerals (iron, manganese, coal), Industries (iron & steel, cotton textile), Transport, Waste management | 30 |
| Total (External) | 80* | |
Exam Pattern Summary
| Feature | ICSE Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Subjects | 6–7 (more than CBSE) |
| Science Papers | 3 separate papers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| English Papers | 2 papers (Language + Literature) |
| External Marks | 80 per subject (most subjects) |
| Internal Assessment | 20 per subject (varies) |
| Passing Marks | 33% in each subject |
| Duration | 2–2.5 hours (Class 10), 3 hours (Class 12) |
Syllabus based on CISCE regulations for 2025–2026. Marks distribution is approximate — exact weightage is specified in the CISCE syllabus document. Prescribed textbooks vary by school. Download the official syllabus from cisce.org. Last updated: February 2026.
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Try Super Tutor — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How many subjects are there in ICSE Class 10?
ICSE Class 10 has 6–7 subjects: English (2 papers — Language + Literature), Hindi/Second Language, Mathematics, Physics (Science Paper 1), Chemistry (Science Paper 2), Biology (Science Paper 3), History & Civics, Geography, and an optional subject (Computer Applications/Commercial Studies/Art). This is more than CBSE which has 5 subjects with combined Science.
Is ICSE harder than CBSE?
ICSE is considered more detailed in English Literature, History, and Geography. CBSE has a slightly broader Science and Maths syllabus. Key differences: ICSE has separate Physics, Chemistry, Biology papers (CBSE combines them). ICSE English is more literature-focused. ICSE History requires more specific facts and dates. For competitive exams (JEE/NEET), both boards prepare students equally well.
What is the passing marks in ICSE?
ICSE passing marks: 33% in each subject (internal + external combined). For subjects with practical/project work: you must pass both the theory and practical components separately. If you fail in 1–2 subjects, you can appear for supplementary exams. Failing in more subjects requires repeating the year.
Does ICSE have internal assessment?
Yes. ICSE internal assessment varies by subject: typically 20% internal + 80% external for most subjects. Science subjects have practical exams (20 marks). Computer Applications has a practical component (50 marks practical + 50 marks theory). The exact internal/external split is specified by CISCE for each subject.
Where can I download the official ICSE syllabus?
Official source: cisce.org → Regulations & Syllabuses. The complete syllabus with marking scheme, prescribed textbooks, and practical guidelines is available as PDF. Your school also has the latest syllabus. Always verify with cisce.org as CISCE may update the syllabus periodically.
Are NCERT books used for ICSE?
No. ICSE does not follow NCERT textbooks. ICSE has its own prescribed textbooks published by various publishers (Selina, Frank, Concise, etc.). However, NCERT concepts overlap significantly. For competitive exam preparation (JEE/NEET), ICSE students should also study NCERT alongside their prescribed books.