The ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) Class X syllabus is designed to provide a strong foundation in various subjects. The syllabus is divided into three main groups, and students are required to study a combination of compulsory and elective subjects. Here is a detailed overview of the syllabus for all streams and subjects:
1. Group I (Compulsory Subjects)
1.1. English
English Language:
Composition (Essay Writing)
Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
Comprehension (Unseen Passages)
Grammar (Parts of Speech, Tenses, Transformation of Sentences, etc.)
Summary Writing
English Literature:
Drama: Shakespearean play (typically, “The Merchant of Venice”)
Prose: Short stories from a prescribed anthology (e.g., “Treasure Trove”)
Stories like “Chief Seattle’s Speech,” “The Blue Bead,” “My Greatest Olympic Prize,” etc.
Poetry: Poems from a prescribed anthology
Poems like “Daffodils,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Abou Ben Adhem,” etc.
1.2. Second Language
Hindi:
Prose and Poetry: Selected pieces from prescribed textbooks
Stories like “Idgah,” “Bade Bhai Saheb,” etc.
Poems like “Madhushala,” “Bachpan,” etc.
Grammar: Sandhi, Samas, Antonyms, Synonyms, Idioms, etc.
Composition: Essay writing, Letter writing, and Comprehension
Translation: English to Hindi and Hindi to English
Other Language Options: (Depending on the school)
Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, etc.
1.3. History and Civics
History:
The Indian National Movement (18571947)
The First War of Independence (1857)
The rise of the Indian National Congress
The partition of Bengal
The impact of World War I on India
The Gandhian Era
Independence and Partition
Civics:
The Union Legislature: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
The Executive: The President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers
The Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts
Indian Constitution: Features and Significance
Fundamental Rights and Duties
1.4. Geography
Physical Geography:
The Locational Setting of India
Structure of the Earth and Internal Processes
Weathering, Soil Formation
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Water Resources and Drainage Systems
Human and Economic Geography:
Agriculture: Types of Crops, Patterns
Mineral and Power Resources
Industries: Iron and Steel, Cotton Textiles, IT Industry
Transport: Roadways, Railways, Airways
Waste Management: Need for Management, Methods, and Impact
Map Work: Physical features, political boundaries, important places
2. Group II (Elective Subjects)
2.1. Mathematics
Algebra:
Quadratic Equations
Arithmetic Progressions
Linear Inequations
Matrices and Determinants
Geometry:
Circles
Constructions
Loci
Trigonometry:
Heights and Distances
Trigonometric Identities
Mensuration:
Areas and Volumes of Solids (Cylinders, Cones, Spheres)
Statistics:
Measures of Central Tendency
Graphical Representation
2.2. Science
Physics:
Force, Work, Power, and Energy
Light: Reflection and Refraction
Sound: Wave Motion
Electricity and Magnetism
Modern Physics: Radioactivity, Nuclear Energy
Chemistry:
Periodic Table and Periodicity
Chemical Bonding
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids
Analytical Chemistry: Detection of Elements, Preparation of Gases
Biology:
Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, Transpiration
Human Anatomy: Circulatory, Respiratory, Excretory Systems
Genetics: Mendelian Genetics
Microbiology: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi
Environmental Biology: Pollution, Conservation of Resources
2.3. Economics
Understanding Economic Development:
Basic Economic Concepts
Factors of Production
Economic Growth and Development
Money and Banking
Public Finance
Inflation
2.4. Commercial Studies
Business Environment:
Introduction to Commercial Organizations
Types of Business Organizations
Commercial Services: Banking, Insurance, Transport
Marketing:
Marketing Mix: Product, Price, Place, Promotion
Advertising and Sales Promotion
Finance:
Elementary Accounting: Basics of Bookkeeping
Budgeting and Budgetary Control
3. Group III (Optional Subjects)
3.1. Computer Applications
Programming:
Basics of Programming in Java
Control Structures: IfElse, SwitchCase, Loops
Functions, Arrays
String Handling
File Operations
Theory:
Computer Fundamentals
Number Systems: Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal
Basic Software and Hardware Concepts
3.2. Environmental Science
Ecology:
Ecosystem Dynamics
Biodiversity and Conservation
Pollution and its Control Measures
Sustainable Development:
Environmental Issues
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
Waste Management and Recycling
Case Studies:
Environmental Movements
Impact of Human Activities on the Environment
3.3. Physical Education
Theory:
Physical Fitness, Wellness, and Lifestyle
Importance of Physical Education
Sports Training and Coaching
Practical:
Games and Sports: Rules and Regulations
Yoga and its Importance
Physical Fitness Tests
Other Elective Subjects (Depending on School Offerings)
Art: Creative drawing, painting, and sculpture.
Home Science: Nutrition, Textiles, Family Welfare.
Technical Drawing Applications: Engineering drawing, geometrical drawing.
Music: Vocal, Instrumental, and Theory.
The ICSE syllabus is known for its comprehensive and balanced approach, encouraging critical thinking and a deep understanding of subjects. The combination of subjects allows students to pursue their interests while receiving a wellrounded education. For specific details and updates on the syllabus, it’s recommended to refer to the official CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) website or consult your school.