ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026-27 — All Subjects at a Glance
ICSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2027 exam: subject groups, papers and marks, and the main topics in Maths, Science, English, History, Civics and Geography.
ICSE Class 10 students take at least six subjects, with separate papers for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Group I and II subjects are 80% external and 20% internal assessment. CISCE's syllabus lists the topics for each subject but, for most ICSE subjects, does not fix marks per chapter.
This page summarises the main topics. For the exact scope, download the ICSE 2027 syllabus for each subject from cisce.org: CISCE revised History and Civics, Geography, Chemistry and several other subjects for the 2027 exam.
Mathematics
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Commercial Mathematics | Goods and Services Tax, Banking (recurring deposit accounts), Shares and Dividends |
| Algebra | Linear Inequations, Quadratic Equations, Factorisation of Polynomials (remainder and factor theorems), Ratio and Proportion, Matrices, Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions |
| Coordinate Geometry | Reflection, Section and Midpoint Formula, Equation of a Line |
| Geometry | Similarity, Locus, Circles, Constructions |
| Mensuration | Cylinder, cone and sphere, and combinations of solids |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Identities, Heights and Distances |
| Statistics and Probability | Measures of central tendency, graphical representation, Probability |
Key difference from CBSE: ICSE Maths includes commercial mathematics (GST, banking, shares and dividends) and matrices, which CBSE covers only in Class 12.
Science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Each science is a separate paper: Physics (Science Paper 1), Chemistry (Science Paper 2) and Biology (Science Paper 3), each an 80-mark, two-hour written exam with 20 marks of internal assessment for practical work.
| Paper | Main topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Force (moments, equilibrium, uniform circular motion); work, energy and power; machines; refraction of light at plane surfaces and through lenses; the spectrum; sound; current electricity; household circuits; electromagnetism; calorimetry; radioactivity |
| Chemistry | Periodic properties; chemical bonding; acids, bases and salts; analytical chemistry; mole concept and stoichiometry; electrolysis; metallurgy; study of compounds; organic chemistry (revised for 2027, so check the current syllabus) |
| Biology | The cell and cell division; genetics; absorption by roots, transpiration and photosynthesis; chemical coordination in plants; the circulatory, excretory, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems; sense organs; human population; pollution |
ICSE chapter-wise preparation
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| Paper | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Paper 1: English Language | Composition, letter writing, notice and e-mail writing, comprehension, and grammar and usage. CISCE recommends no particular book for background reading. |
| Paper 2: Literature in English | For the 2027 exam: Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (Acts III, IV and V) and the prescribed short stories and poems in Treasure Chest: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems. |
History, Civics and Geography
| Paper | Main topics |
|---|---|
| History and Civics (HCG Paper 1) | Civics: the Union Parliament, the Union Executive and the judiciary. History: the Indian national movement from 1857 to independence, and the contemporary world, including the world wars and the United Nations. Revised for 2027. |
| Geography (HCG Paper 2) | Interpretation of topographical maps and map work on India; climate, soils, natural vegetation, water resources, minerals and energy, agriculture, industries, transport and waste management. Revised for 2027. |
Exam Structure Summary
| Feature | ICSE details |
|---|---|
| Number of subjects | At least six (Groups I, II and III) |
| Science papers | Three separate papers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| English papers | Two (Language and Literature) |
| External / internal | 80 / 20 for Groups I and II; 50 / 50 for Group III |
| Pass mark | 33% in each subject; pass at least five subjects including English |
| Attendance | At least 75% of working days in each of Classes 9 and 10 |
| Second chance | Improvement Examination in the same year, in up to two subjects |
Subject groups, marks, pass and attendance rules are from CISCE's ICSE regulations for the 2027 examination; the English texts are from CISCE's 2027 list of prescribed books. Download the full syllabus for each subject from cisce.org.
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
How many subjects are there in ICSE Class 10?
At least six. Group I (compulsory): English, a second language, and History, Civics and Geography. Group II: two or three of Mathematics, Science, Economics, Commercial Studies, Environmental Science, a modern foreign language or a classical language. Group III: one or two subjects such as Computer Applications, Economic Applications, Commercial Applications, Art, Physical Education, Yoga or Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. English, History Civics and Geography, and Science are each examined as more than one paper.
Is ICSE harder than CBSE?
ICSE goes into more depth in English Literature, History and Geography, and examines Physics, Chemistry and Biology as three separate papers where CBSE has one Science paper. Both boards prepare students for entrance exams; for JEE or NEET, ICSE students should also work through the NCERT books those exams follow.
What are the passing marks in ICSE?
33% in each subject. To qualify, you must pass at least five subjects including English and get a pass grade in SUPW and Community Service. CISCE no longer holds a compartment exam; instead there is an Improvement Examination in the same year, in up to two subjects, and a student who does not qualify can use it for subjects below 33%.
Does ICSE have internal assessment?
Yes. Group I and Group II subjects are 80% external exam and 20% internal assessment; Group III subjects, such as Computer Applications, are 50% external and 50% internal. The internal part is project or practical work assessed by your school.
Where can I download the official ICSE syllabus?
From cisce.org, under Regulations and Syllabuses for the ICSE examination year you are taking. CISCE revised several subjects for the 2027 exam, including History and Civics, Geography, Chemistry, Economics, Economic Applications and Commercial Studies, so make sure you use the 2027 edition.
Are NCERT books used for ICSE?
No. CISCE sets the syllabus but does not prescribe textbooks except where it names them (such as the English literature texts). Schools choose books from publishers such as Selina, Frank or ML Aggarwal. NCERT books are still useful if you plan to take JEE or NEET.