Key Summary & High-Yield Concept Takeaways
Curated by senior faculty at Hodu Academy for fast revision, formula derivations, and standard board & competitive exam marking schemes.
- ✓Second Language (Hindi/French/German/Sanskrit/etc.)
- ✓Environmental Science
- ✓Computer Applications
- ✓Economic Applications
ICSE Board 2026 – Syllabus, Subjects, Exam Pattern & Resources
Your one-stop ICSE resource hub by Hodu Academy
ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) is a globally recognized Grade 10 school board examination conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi. The ICSE exam is valued for its balanced syllabus, focus on application, and strong foundation in English, Science, and Mathematics. Explore syllabus, subject list, study tips, solved papers, and expert guides—all at Hodu Academy.
Quick Links: Subject List | Syllabus | Exam Pattern | Marking Scheme | Study Resources | FAQs
What is ICSE?
The ICSE (Class 10) exam is a national-level assessment conducted by CISCE for students in India and abroad. The board is known for its emphasis on project work, language skills, and analytical abilities. ICSE is recognized by universities in India and many countries for admissions and scholarships.
Why ICSE? Strong foundation for competitive exams, excellent English language proficiency, balanced focus on Science, Maths, Humanities, and Arts, and in-depth practical/project work.
Why ICSE? Strong foundation for competitive exams, excellent English language proficiency, balanced focus on Science, Maths, Humanities, and Arts, and in-depth practical/project work.
ICSE Subjects (2026)
- English Language
- English Literature
- Second Language (Hindi/French/German/Sanskrit/etc.)
- History & Civics
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Computer Applications
- Commercial Studies
- Economic Applications
- Commercial Applications
- Art
- Physical Education
- Home Science
- Technical Drawing
- Modern Foreign Languages
- SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work)
- and more (varies by school)
Note: English, a second language, History & Civics, Geography, and Environmental Education are compulsory.
ICSE 2026 Syllabus Overview
The ICSE syllabus is comprehensive, project-oriented, and updated every few years to match international standards. Subjects are divided into three groups:
- Group I (Compulsory): English, Second Language, History & Civics, Geography
- Group II (Any two): Maths, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Economics, Commercial Studies, Environmental Science
- Group III (Any one): Computer Applications, Art, Home Science, Physical Education, Commercial Applications, etc.
ICSE Exam Pattern 2026
- Medium of Exam: English
- Exam Format: Written papers + Internal assessment (projects/practicals)
- Type of Questions: Objective, short answer, long answer, essays (varies by subject)
- Duration: Most exams are 2–3 hours per subject
- Assessment: 80% from written exam + 20% internal/project work (split varies for some subjects)
- Passing Marks: 33% in each subject
- Grading: Numeric score (not grades) given for each subject
ICSE Marking Scheme
- Written Paper: 80 marks (most subjects) — final board exam conducted by CISCE
- Internal Assessment: 20 marks (practical/project) — evaluated by the school and moderated by CISCE
- Some subjects (e.g., Art, Physical Ed, SUPW): 100% internal assessment or portfolio
- Passing criteria: 33% marks in each subject and in aggregate
- Results: Declared in May; digital marksheets & certificates available on cisce.org