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. Matrices: types, addition, subtraction, multiplication (2×2 and 2×1). AP: nth term, sum of n terms. 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. Conditions for parallel lines (equal slopes) and perpendicular lines (product of slopes = −1).

Similarity: Basic Proportionality Theorem, AA/SAS/SSS criteria, ratio of areas. Loci: standard loci, constructions. Circles: arc, chord, tangent–radius relationship, angle at centre vs. circumference, cyclic quadrilateral, equal tangents from external point. Constructions: tangent from external point, circumscribed and inscribed regular hexagon.

Curved surface area, total surface area, and volume of: right circular cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere. Combination of solids. Conversion problems (melting and recasting). Cost calculations using volume or surface area.

Trigonometric ratios. Values for standard angles. Complementary angles. Identities: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ, 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ. Heights and Distances: angle of elevation, angle of depression, two-observer problems.

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

Sample space, events, outcomes. 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. Centre of gravity. Scalars and vectors. Work: W = Fs cosθ. Kinetic and potential energy; conservation of energy. Power: P = W/t (watt, horsepower). Simple machines: lever classes, mechanical advantage (MA), velocity ratio (VR), efficiency (η = MA/VR × 100).

Refraction: laws, refractive index, Snell’s Law. Total internal reflection: critical angle, conditions. Lenses: types, 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.

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

Ohm’s Law: V = IR. Series and parallel resistance. Internal resistance and EMF. Power: P = VI = I²R = V²/R. Energy: E = Pt. Household wiring: live, neutral, earth wires. Fuses and circuit breakers. Earthing and safe use of electricity.

Magnetic field and field lines. Magnetic effect of current: right-hand rule, solenoid, electromagnet. Force on conductor: Fleming’s Left Hand Rule. DC motor: principle and working. Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s laws, Fleming’s Right Hand Rule. AC generator. Transformer: step-up/step-down, turns ratio.

Heat vs. temperature. Specific heat capacity: Q = mcΔT. Method of mixtures: principle of calorimetry. Latent heat: fusion (ice: 336 J/g), vaporisation (water: 2260 J/g). Change of state and heating curve of water.

Alpha, beta, gamma radiation: nature, charge, mass, penetrating power, ionising ability. Half-life (qualitative). Uses: radiation therapy, carbon dating, tracers. Nuclear fission: chain reaction, nuclear reactor (basic). Nuclear fusion: Sun’s energy. Hazards and safety precautions.

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

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

Arrhenius theory. pH scale (0–14). Indicators. Neutralisation. Salts: normal, acid, basic — preparation and properties. Sodium hydroxide: 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), Fe³⁺ (reddish-brown), Zn²⁺ (white, dissolves in excess of both), Al³⁺ (white, dissolves in NaOH only), Pb²⁺ (white), Ca²⁺ (white, insoluble in excess). Gas tests: CO₂ (lime water), H₂ (squeaky pop), O₂ (glowing splint), HCl (white fumes with NH₃), NH₃ (moist red litmus), SO₂ (KMnO₄ decolourised), H₂S (lead acetate paper — black).

Mole: Avogadro’s number (6.022 × 10²³). Molar mass. Percentage composition. Empirical and molecular formula. Balancing equations. Stoichiometric calculations: mass-to-mass, mass-to-volume (1 mole gas = 22.4 L at STP), mole-to-particle.

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

Ores and minerals. Concentration: froth flotation. Reduction: carbon (iron — blast furnace), aluminothermic (thermite process), electrolytic (aluminium — Hall–Héroult process). Refining: electrolytic refining of copper. Reactivity series and extraction method choice.

HCl: lab preparation, properties, reaction with NH₃. NH₃: lab preparation, Haber process, properties, uses. HNO₃: Ostwald process, dilute and concentrated properties (passivity, brown ring test), uses. H₂SO₄: Contact process, dilute and concentrated properties (dehydrating and oxidising agent), uses.

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

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

Mendel’s laws: Segregation and Independent Assortment. Monohybrid cross: 3:1 phenotypic ratio. Dihybrid cross: 9:3:3:1 ratio. Phenotype and genotype. Dominant and recessive traits. Incomplete dominance. Sex determination: XX (female), XY (male). Mutations: causes and examples.

Osmosis: osmotic pressure, plasmolysis, turgidity. Diffusion vs. osmosis. Root hair structure. Absorption of water: osmosis through root hairs. Mineral ion absorption: passive and active transport. Significance of osmosis in plants.

Transpiration: types — stomatal (~90%), cuticular (~9%), lenticular (~1%). Stomatal mechanism: guard cell turgidity, K⁺ ions. Factors: light, temperature, humidity, wind, water, CO₂. Significance: transpiration pull, cooling, mineral transport. Experiments: Bell jar method; cobalt chloride paper.

Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Site: chloroplast. Light reaction: photolysis of water, ATP and NADPH. Dark reaction (Calvin cycle): CO₂ fixation. Factors affecting photosynthesis. Experiments: iodine test, CO₂ necessity, light necessity, variegated leaves.

Heart: four chambers, valves, coronary arteries. Cardiac cycle. Double circulation: pulmonary and systemic. Blood: plasma, RBCs (haemoglobin), WBCs, platelets. Blood groups: ABO and Rh factor. Lymphatic system. Disorders: hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Excretory organs: kidneys, skin, lungs, liver. Kidney: cortex, medulla, pelvis. Nephron: glomerulus, PCT, Loop of Henle, DCT, collecting duct. Urine formation: ultrafiltration → selective reabsorption → tubular secretion. Skin (sweat), lungs (CO₂), liver (urea). Disorders: kidney stones, nephritis. Haemodialysis (basic).

Neuron: structure and types (sensory, motor, interneuron). CNS: cerebrum (thought), cerebellum (balance), medulla (involuntary actions). Synapse. Reflex arc: receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector. Sense organs: eye (structure, defects, correction), ear (structure).

Glands and hormones: pituitary (GH, ADH, FSH, LH), thyroid (thyroxine), parathyroid (PTH), adrenal (adrenaline, cortisol), pancreas (insulin, glucagon), gonads (testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone). Nervous vs. hormonal control. Negative feedback. Disorders: diabetes, goitre, cretinism, dwarfism, gigantism.

Tropism: phototropism, geotropism, hydrotropism, thigmotropism, chemotropism — positive and negative. Role of auxin (IAA) in phototropism. Nastic movements: thigmonasty (Mimosa), photonasty, thermonasty. Key difference: tropism is directional; nastic is non-directional.

Population: J-curve growth, causes and consequences. Green Revolution: HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers. Biofertilisers: Rhizobium, Azolla–Anabaena. Microbes: fermentation (yeast, Lactobacillus, moulds), antibiotics (penicillin), biogas. Harmful microbes: bacterial, viral, protozoan pathogens.

Types: air, water, soil, noise, radioactive. Air: CO, SO₂, NOₓ, particulate matter; greenhouse effect; acid rain; ozone depletion (CFCs). Water: sewage, effluents, pesticides; sewage treatment (primary, secondary, tertiary). Soil: pesticides (DDT bioaccumulation), plastics. Noise: decibels, health effects. Conservation: 3Rs, afforestation, emission controls.

Lok Sabha (composition, Speaker, money bill, powers) and Rajya Sabha (composition, Vice-President as Chairman, special powers); joint sitting. President (Electoral College, powers, emergency provisions), Vice-President, Prime Minister (appointment, powers), Council of Ministers (collective responsibility). Supreme Court (composition, original/appellate/advisory jurisdiction, judicial review, independence), High Courts, Subordinate Courts. Lok Adalats and PIL.

First War of Independence 1857: causes (political, economic, social, military), key leaders (Rani Laxmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar), results. Rise of Nationalism: 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, consequences. Rise of Fascism (Mussolini) and Nazism (Hitler): causes and ideology.

Gandhian era: Non-Cooperation (1920–22), Civil Disobedience / Salt March (1930), Quit India (1942). Role of Gandhi, Nehru, Bose (INA), Ambedkar. Partition and Independence 1947. World War II (1939–45): causes (appeasement failure), major events, Holocaust, atomic bombs, formation of UN (1945). Cold War: USA–USSR rivalry, Berlin Blockade, Cuban Missile Crisis, Non-Aligned Movement.

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

Factors: latitude, altitude, distance from sea, SW and NE monsoon winds, Western Ghats rain shadow. Four seasons: hot dry (March–May), advancing SW monsoon (June–September), 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. El Niño effect.

Types: alluvial (Gangetic plain — most fertile), black/regur (Deccan — cotton), red (peninsular — iron-rich), laterite (Kerala, WB hilltops — leached), arid/desert (Rajasthan — saline). Suitable crops for each. Soil erosion: water and wind. Conservation: contour bunding, terrace farming, afforestation, crop rotation.

Types: tropical wet evergreen (Western Ghats, Assam — ebony, rosewood), tropical moist deciduous (teak, sal — most widespread), tropical dry deciduous, thorn and scrub (Rajasthan — acacia), littoral/mangrove (Sundarbans — Rhizophora), mountain vegetation (Himalayan coniferous and alpine). Economic importance. Conservation: social forestry, Project Tiger.

Himalayan rivers (perennial — Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra). Peninsular rivers (seasonal — Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery). Multipurpose projects: Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, Damodar Valley, Nagarjuna Sagar. Types of irrigation: well, canal, tank, drip, sprinkler. Rainwater harvesting. Water scarcity issues.

Types: subsistence, commercial, plantation. Major crops and conditions: rice (WB, Assam, AP), wheat (Punjab, Haryana, UP), millets, cotton (black soil — Maharashtra, Gujarat), jute (WB, Assam), tea (Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris), coffee (Karnataka, Kerala), sugarcane (UP, Maharashtra). Green Revolution: HYV seeds, fertilisers, irrigation — benefits and disparities. Agricultural issues.

Classification: cottage, small-scale, large-scale; agro-based and mineral-based. Iron and steel: Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Vishakhapatnam, Durgapur. Cotton textiles: Mumbai–Ahmedabad belt. Jute: West Bengal (Hooghly basin). Sugar: UP and Maharashtra. IT industry: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai. Industrial pollution and SEZs.

Modes: roads (National Highways, Golden Quadrilateral), railways (zones, Konkan Railway), inland waterways (NW1, NW2, NW3), coastal and oceanic shipping, air, pipelines. Waste management: biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable. Composting, vermicomposting, landfills, incineration, recycling. E-waste hazards. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.