ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2027: 7 Compulsory Subjects, Subject-Wise Topics and PDF Download

One composition of approximately 300–350 words chosen from 5–6 options. Types include: narrative essay, descriptive essay, discursive or argumentative essay, and creative personal writing. Marks are awarded for content, organisation, language accuracy, and style.

One letter or email (formal or informal) of approximately 150–200 words. Topics cover applications, complaints, requests, invitations, or personal correspondence. You must know the correct format conventions for both formal and informal communication.

One directed writing task of approximately 150–200 words. Format options include a newspaper report, a speech, a magazine article, a notice, or a set of instructions. Follow the format conventions precisely — examiners deduct marks for format errors.

Short-answer grammar questions covering: sentence transformation (active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech), verb tense correction, prepositions, conjunctions, determiners, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions), and spelling correction.

One unseen prose passage of 450–550 words with comprehension questions. Tasks include: factual questions, inferential questions, vocabulary in context, title with justification, and summary of a specified section of the passage.

Acts I–V. Core scenes: the bond between Shylock and Antonio (Act I), the casket scenes (Acts II–III), the trial scene (Act IV, Sc. 1 — Portia’s mercy speech), the ring subplot (Act V). Questions test character analysis (Shylock, Portia, Antonio, Bassanio), theme identification (justice vs. mercy, friendship, prejudice, appearance vs. reality), and passage-based comprehension. Memorise 4–5 key quotes per major character.

Selected short stories from the Treasure Chest anthology as prescribed by CISCE for the 2027 session. Questions test plot summary, characterisation, themes, moral, and passage-based comprehension. All prescribed stories are examinable — do not skip any story.

Selected poems from the Treasure Chest anthology. Questions test paraphrase of specific stanzas, identification of figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia), tone, mood, central theme, and appreciation of the poet’s craft. Download the official CISCE syllabus PDF to confirm the specific poems prescribed for 2027.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): computation of tax payable, input tax credit, CGST and SGST. Recurring Deposit Accounts: maturity value formula, interest calculation. Shares and Dividends: face value, market value, dividend declared on face value, return percentage, premium and discount.

Linear Inequations (one variable): solution set, number line representation. Quadratic Equations: factorisation method, completing the square, quadratic formula, nature of roots (discriminant), word problems. Ratio and Proportion: componendo and dividendo. Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem: factorisation of polynomials. Matrices: types, addition, subtraction, multiplication (2×2 and 2×1). Arithmetic Progression (AP): nth term, sum of n terms. Geometric Progression (GP): nth term, sum of n terms.

Distance formula between two points. Section formula (internal and external division). Mid-point formula. Equation of a straight line: slope-intercept form (y = mx + c), two-point form, point-slope form. Gradient of a line. Conditions for parallel lines (equal slopes) and perpendicular lines (product of slopes = −1).

Similarity: Basic Proportionality Theorem, AA/SAS/SSS criteria, ratio of areas of similar triangles. Loci: definition, standard loci (equidistant from two points, from two lines), geometric constructions. Circles: arc, chord, tangent–radius relationship, angle at centre vs. angle at circumference, cyclic quadrilateral (opposite angles supplementary), tangent from external point (equal tangents). Constructions: tangent from external point, circumscribed and inscribed regular hexagon.

Curved surface area, total surface area, and volume of: right circular cylinder, right circular cone, sphere, hemisphere. Combination of solids (e.g., cone mounted on a cylinder, hemisphere on a cylinder). Conversion problems: melting one solid and recasting into another. Cost calculations involving volume or surface area.

Trigonometric ratios: sin, cos, tan, cot, sec, cosec. Values for standard angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°). Complementary angles. Trigonometric identities: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ. Heights and Distances: angle of elevation, angle of depression, two-observer problems (same side and opposite sides of a tower).

Mean of grouped data: direct method and step-deviation method. Median of grouped data: formula and ogive method. Mode of grouped data: modal class. Histograms: construction and interpretation. Frequency polygon. Cumulative frequency curve (Ogive): drawing, finding median, lower and upper quartiles, inter-quartile range.

Sample space, events, outcomes. Classical definition: P(E) = (favourable outcomes)/(total outcomes). Complementary events: P(E’) = 1 − P(E). Problems using dice, coins, playing cards, and coloured balls. Mutually exclusive events.

Turning effect of a force: moment of force, couple. Conditions of equilibrium (translational and rotational). Centre of gravity. Scalars and vectors. Work: W = Fs cosθ; positive, negative, and zero work. Kinetic and potential energy; law of conservation of energy. Power: P = W/t, units (watt, horsepower). Simple machines: lever classes, mechanical advantage (MA), velocity ratio (VR), efficiency (η = MA/VR × 100).

Refraction of light: laws, refractive index, Snell’s Law. Total internal reflection: critical angle, conditions. Lenses: types (convex/concave), principal axis, optical centre, principal focus, focal length. Power of a lens: P = 1/f (dioptre). Ray diagrams for 6 object positions (convex lens). Real and virtual images. Applications: magnifying glass, spectacles for hypermetropia and myopia.

Nature of sound: longitudinal wave, compression and rarefaction. Speed, frequency, wavelength relationship: v = fλ. Reflection of sound: echo (conditions: distance ≥ 17 m, time ≥ 0.1 s), reverberation, uses. Ultrasound: properties, applications (sonar, medical imaging, industrial cleaning). Characteristics of musical sound: loudness, pitch (frequency), quality (timbre).

Ohm’s Law: V = IR; conditions for validity. Resistance in series and parallel combinations. Internal resistance and EMF. Electrical power: P = VI = I²R = V²/R. Electrical energy: E = Pt. Household wiring: live, neutral, earth wires; colour coding. Fuses (cartridge type) and circuit breakers: functions. Earthing purpose and safe use of electricity.

Magnetic field, field lines, properties. Magnetic effect of current: right-hand thumb rule, solenoid, electromagnet (factors affecting strength). Force on current-carrying conductor: Fleming’s Left Hand Rule. DC electric motor: principle, construction, working. Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s laws, Fleming’s Right Hand Rule. AC generator: principle and working. Transformer: step-up and step-down, turns ratio, energy losses.

Heat and temperature: distinction. Specific heat capacity: Q = mcΔT; units (J/kg·K). Method of mixtures: principle of calorimetry. Latent heat: fusion (ice: 336 J/g), vaporisation (water: 2260 J/g). Change of state: heating curve of water. Practical applications: pressure cooker (basic principle).

Radioactive decay: alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) radiation — nature, charge, mass, penetrating power, ionising ability. Half-life (qualitative understanding). Radioactive decay equations. Uses of radioactivity: radiation therapy, carbon dating, tracers in medicine and agriculture. Nuclear fission: chain reaction, controlled chain reaction, nuclear reactor (basic). Nuclear fusion: energy source of the Sun. Hazards of radiation; safety precautions.

Modern Periodic Table: periods, groups, blocks. Variation of atomic radius, ionic radius, ionisation energy, electron affinity, electronegativity across periods and down groups. Metallic and non-metallic character trends. Position of noble gases. Isotopes: definition, examples, and uses.

Ionic (electrovalent) bonding: electron transfer, formation of ions, properties of ionic compounds. Covalent bonding: electron sharing, single/double/triple bonds, Lewis (dot-and-cross) structures. Coordinate (dative) covalent bond: definition and example (ammonium ion). Comparison of ionic and covalent compounds: melting/boiling points, solubility, electrical conductance.

Arrhenius theory of acids and bases. pH scale (0–14). Indicators (litmus, phenolphthalein, methyl orange). Neutralisation reactions. Salts: normal, acid, and basic salts — preparation and properties. Sodium hydroxide: industrial manufacture (chlor-alkali/Castner–Kellner process). Uses of common acids, bases, and salts in industry and daily life.

Action of NH₄OH and NaOH on metal salt solutions: Cu²⁺ (blue precipitate, dissolves in excess NH₄OH), Fe²⁺ (dirty green precipitate), Fe³⁺ (reddish-brown precipitate), Zn²⁺ (white precipitate, dissolves in excess of both), Al³⁺ (white precipitate, dissolves in NaOH only), Pb²⁺ (white precipitate), Ca²⁺ (white precipitate, insoluble in excess). Gas tests: CO₂ (lime water — turns milky), H₂ (squeaky pop), O₂ (glowing splint relights), HCl (white fumes with NH₃), NH₃ (moist red litmus turns blue), SO₂ (decolourises KMnO₄), H₂S (lead acetate paper turns black).

Mole: definition; Avogadro’s number (6.022 × 10²³). Molar mass (gram molecular mass). Percentage composition by mass. Empirical formula from percentage composition. Molecular formula from empirical formula and molar mass. Balancing chemical equations. Stoichiometric calculations: mass-to-mass, mass-to-volume (1 mole gas = 22.4 L at STP), and mole-to-particle conversions.

Electrolytes and non-electrolytes. Electrolytic cell: cathode (reduction), anode (oxidation), electrolyte, electrodes. Electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄ (H₂ at cathode, O₂ at anode) and dilute NaCl with platinum electrodes (H₂ at cathode, Cl₂ at anode). Electroplating: principle, silver plating, copper plating, commercial uses. Faraday’s laws of electrolysis (qualitative).

Occurrence: ores and minerals. Concentration: froth flotation (sulphide ores), hand-picking, levigation. Reduction: carbon reduction (iron — blast furnace), aluminothermic/thermite process (Fe₂O₃ + 2Al), electrolytic reduction (aluminium from bauxite — Hall–Héroult process). Refining: electrolytic refining of copper. Reactivity series and choice of extraction method.

Hydrogen Chloride: lab preparation from NaCl + conc. H₂SO₄; physical and chemical properties; reactions with ammonia (white fumes). Ammonia: lab preparation from NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂; Haber process; properties; uses. Nitric Acid: Ostwald process; dilute properties (reaction with metals); concentrated properties (passivity, brown ring test with FeSO₄); uses. Sulphuric Acid: Contact process; dilute properties (acid reactions); concentrated properties (dehydrating and oxidising agent); uses.

Organic compounds: definition, reasons for large number. Hydrocarbons: alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂), alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ), alkynes (CₙH₂ₙ₋₂) — general formula, IUPAC names (C1–C5), structural formula, combustion, substitution in alkanes, addition in alkenes. Functional groups: –OH (alcohol), –CHO (aldehyde), –CO– (ketone), –COOH (carboxylic acid), –COO– (ester). Polymers: addition polymerisation (polythene from ethene), condensation polymerisation (nylon-6,6; terylene).

Cell cycle: interphase (G1, S, G2 phases) and mitotic phase. Mitosis: PMAT stages (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase); significance — growth, repair, asexual reproduction. Meiosis: Meiosis I (Prophase I with crossing over) and Meiosis II; significance — sexual reproduction, genetic variation, maintaining chromosome number. Structure of chromosomes: chromatid, centromere, telomere. Differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Heredity: Mendel’s laws — Law of Segregation, Law of Independent Assortment. Monohybrid cross: Punnett square (3:1 phenotypic ratio, 1:2:1 genotypic ratio). Dihybrid cross: 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. Phenotype and genotype; dominant and recessive traits. Incomplete dominance: blending inheritance (e.g., snapdragon flower colour). Sex determination in humans: XX (female), XY (male). Mutations: definition, causes (radiation, chemicals), examples.

Osmosis: definition, osmotic pressure, endosmosis, exosmosis, plasmolysis, deplasmolysis, turgidity. Diffusion vs. osmosis. Root hair structure and function. Absorption of water: osmosis through root hairs along osmotic gradient (soil → root hair → cortex → xylem). Mineral ion absorption: passive transport (along concentration gradient) and active transport (against gradient, requires ATP). Significance of osmosis in plants.

Transpiration: definition; types — stomatal (~90%), cuticular (~9%), lenticular (~1%). Mechanism of stomatal opening and closing: guard cell turgidity, role of K⁺ ions and light. Factors affecting transpiration: light intensity, temperature, humidity, wind speed, water availability, CO₂ concentration. Significance: transpiration pull (ascent of sap), cooling, mineral transport. Experiments: Bell jar / polythene bag method; cobalt chloride paper method.

Overall equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in light, chlorophyll as catalyst). Site: chloroplast (grana for light reactions; stroma for dark reactions). Light reaction: photolysis of water (2H₂O → 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ + O₂), production of ATP and NADPH. Dark reaction (Calvin cycle): CO₂ fixation using ATP and NADPH to produce glucose. Factors affecting photosynthesis. Experiments: iodine test, necessity of CO₂, necessity of light, variegated leaves.

Structure of the heart: four chambers, valves (tricuspid, bicuspid/mitral, semilunar), coronary arteries. Cardiac cycle: systole and diastole. Double circulation: pulmonary (right heart → lungs → left heart) and systemic (left heart → body → right heart). Blood composition: plasma (proteins, nutrients, hormones, waste), RBCs (haemoglobin), WBCs (phagocytosis, antibodies), platelets (clotting). Blood groups: ABO system, Rh factor, compatibility. Lymphatic system: functions. Common disorders: hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease.

Excretion: definition; excretory organs — kidneys, skin, lungs, liver. Kidney structure: cortex, medulla, pelvis. Nephron: glomerulus (Bowman’s capsule), proximal convoluted tubule, Loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, collecting duct. Urine formation: ultrafiltration → selective reabsorption (glucose, amino acids, water, Na⁺) → tubular secretion. Role of skin (sweat: water, NaCl, urea). Role of lungs (CO₂, water vapour). Liver: deamination, urea formation. Disorders: kidney stones, nephritis. Haemodialysis (basic principle).

Neuron: structure (cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier), types (sensory, motor, relay/interneuron). CNS: brain — cerebrum (thought, memory), cerebellum (balance, coordination), medulla oblongata (involuntary actions: breathing, heartbeat). Spinal cord: functions. Synapse: structure and transmission. Reflex action: definition; reflex arc (receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector). Sense organs: eye (structure, accommodation, defects and correction), ear (structure, hearing).

Endocrine glands and hormones: pituitary (growth hormone, ADH, FSH, LH), thyroid (thyroxine — metabolic rate), parathyroid (PTH — calcium regulation), adrenal (adrenaline — fight-or-flight; cortisol), pancreas (insulin — lowers blood glucose; glucagon — raises blood glucose), gonads (testosterone; oestrogen and progesterone). Nervous vs. hormonal control (speed, duration, specificity). Negative feedback mechanisms. Disorders: diabetes mellitus, goitre, cretinism, dwarfism, gigantism.

Tropism: definition; types — phototropism (light), geotropism (gravity), hydrotropism (water), thigmotropism (touch), chemotropism (chemicals). Positive and negative tropisms with examples. Role of auxin (IAA) in phototropism: unequal distribution → differential growth. Nastic movements: thigmonasty (Mimosa pudica), photonasty (daisy), thermonasty (tulip). Key difference: tropism is directional (depends on stimulus direction); nastic is non-directional.

Human population: J-curve growth, causes (high birth rate, falling death rate), consequences (resource depletion, pollution, poverty). Food production: Green Revolution (HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers), sustainable agriculture, crop rotation. Biofertilisers: Rhizobium (root nodules), Azolla–Anabaena complex. Microbes: fermentation — yeast (ethanol), Lactobacillus (curd), moulds (cheese). Antibiotics: penicillin (Penicillium notatum). Biogas from cow dung. Harmful microbes: bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens.

Types: air, water, soil, noise, and radioactive pollution. Air pollutants: CO (vehicle exhaust), SO₂ and NOₓ (acid rain), particulate matter (smog). Greenhouse effect: CO₂, CH₄, N₂O; global warming consequences. Acid rain: formation, effects on forests, lakes, and monuments. Ozone depletion: CFCs, UV radiation effects. Water pollution: sewage, industrial effluents, pesticide runoff; sewage treatment (primary, secondary, tertiary). Soil pollution: pesticides (DDT bioaccumulation), plastics. Noise pollution: decibel levels, health effects. Conservation: 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), afforestation, emission controls.

Union Legislature: Lok Sabha (composition, Speaker, money bill, powers) and Rajya Sabha (composition, Chairman/Vice-President, special powers); joint sitting of Parliament. Union Executive: President (election by Electoral College, powers including emergency provisions), Vice-President, Prime Minister (appointment, powers, collective responsibility), Council of Ministers. The Judiciary: Supreme Court (composition, original/appellate/advisory jurisdiction, judicial review, independence), High Courts (supervisory jurisdiction), Subordinate Courts (civil and criminal). Lok Adalats and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

First War of Independence 1857: political, economic, social, and military causes; key leaders (Rani Laxmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar); results and consequences. Rise of Nationalism in India: socio-religious reform movements (Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj), formation of INC (1885), moderates vs. extremists. World War I (1914–18): MAIN causes, major events, Treaty of Versailles (1919), consequences. Rise of Fascism and Nazism: Mussolini in Italy, Hitler in Germany — causes, ideology, methods.

Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), Civil Disobedience / Salt March (1930), Quit India Movement (1942). Role of Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose (INA), and Ambedkar. Partition and Independence 1947: Mountbatten Plan, communal riots, refugee crisis. World War II (1939–45): causes (failure of appeasement, Hitler’s aggression), major fronts, D-Day, Holocaust, atomic bombs (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), formation of the UN (1945). Cold War: USA–USSR ideological rivalry, Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis, Non-Aligned Movement (India’s role).

Types of maps: physical, political, weather maps. Scale: Representative Fraction (RF), linear scale, statement of scale. Topographic maps (Survey of India 1:50,000 sheets): contour lines, contour interval, relief features (valley, ridge, spur, cliff, waterfall). Map projections: cylindrical, conical, zenithal — properties and uses. Conventional signs and symbols.

Factors affecting India’s climate: latitude, altitude, distance from sea, monsoon winds (SW and NE), Western Ghats rain shadow effect. Four seasons: hot dry season (March–May), advancing SW monsoon (June–September — "burst of monsoon"), retreating NE monsoon (October–November), cool dry winter (December–February). Rainfall distribution: heavy on western coast and NE India; scanty in Rajasthan and rain shadow areas. Monsoon variability and El Niño effect.

Types: alluvial (Gangetic plain — most fertile, kharif and rabi crops), black/regur (Deccan plateau — cotton), red (peninsular India — iron-rich), laterite (Kerala, WB hilltops — leached, poor), arid/desert (Rajasthan — saline). Distribution across India and suitable crops. Soil erosion: water erosion (sheet, rill, gully), wind erosion (Rajasthan). Causes: deforestation, overgrazing, shifting cultivation. Conservation: contour bunding, terrace farming, afforestation, crop rotation, check dams.

Types: tropical wet evergreen (Western Ghats, Assam — ebony, rosewood), tropical moist deciduous (teak, sal, shisham — most widespread), tropical dry deciduous (drier interiors), thorn and scrub (Rajasthan — cactus, acacia), littoral/mangrove (Sundarbans — Rhizophora, Avicennia), mountain vegetation (Himalayan coniferous and alpine). Relationship between rainfall, temperature, altitude, and vegetation type. Economic importance and conservation (social forestry, wildlife sanctuaries, Project Tiger).

Himalayan river systems: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra (perennial — glacial + rain-fed). Peninsular river systems: Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery (seasonal — rain-fed). Multipurpose river valley projects: Bhakra Nangal (Sutlej), Hirakud (Mahanadi), Damodar Valley Corporation (Damodar), Nagarjuna Sagar (Krishna) — purposes: irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control. Types of irrigation: well (tube wells), canal, tank, drip, sprinkler. Rainwater harvesting. Water scarcity: overuse, pollution, unequal distribution.

Types of farming: subsistence, commercial, plantation. Major crops and conditions: rice (high rainfall, West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh), wheat (Punjab, Haryana, UP), millets/jowar/bajra (drier zones), cotton (black soil — Maharashtra, Gujarat), jute (West Bengal, Assam), tea (Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris), coffee (Karnataka, Kerala), sugarcane (UP, Maharashtra). Green Revolution: HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers, irrigation — increased productivity but regional disparities. Agricultural issues: fragmented holdings, lack of credit, monsoon dependence.

Classification: cottage, small-scale, large-scale; agro-based and mineral-based. Iron and steel: Jamshedpur (TISCO), Bokaro, Vishakhapatnam, Durgapur — location factors (coal, iron ore, water, transport). Cotton textiles: Mumbai–Ahmedabad belt — historical and economic reasons. Jute: West Bengal (Hooghly basin). Sugar: UP and Maharashtra. Information Technology: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai. Industrial pollution and mitigation. SEZs and industrial corridors.

Modes of transport: roads (National Highways, Golden Quadrilateral), railways (largest employer, zones, Konkan Railway), inland waterways (NW1, NW2, NW3), coastal and oceanic shipping, air transport, pipelines (oil and gas). Comparison: cost, speed, cargo suitability. Waste management: biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable waste. Methods: composting, vermicomposting, sanitary landfills, incineration, recycling. E-waste: hazards and handling. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle principle.