ICSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 is conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for students studying in affiliated schools across India and abroad. The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examination is known for its comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes conceptual learning, analytical thinking, and practical applications across various subjects. The ICSE Class 10 exams 2026 will be held from February 17 to March 30, 2026, in offline pen-and-paper mode. The examination assesses students on seven subjects divided into three groups, with theory papers carrying 80 marks and internal assessment contributing 20 marks for most subjects.
Table of Contents
ICSE Class 10 Exam 2026 Overview
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations conducts the ICSE examination annually for Class 10 students. Understanding the complete examination framework helps students prepare systematically and manage their time effectively during the crucial board exam period.
Particulars
Details
Exam Name
ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)
Conducting Body
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations released the official ICSE Class 10 time table 2026 on November 13, 2025. The board exams will commence on February 17, 2026, and conclude on March 30, 2026. Students are given 15 minutes of reading time before the commencement of each paper, and the actual exam begins at 11:00 AM.
CISCE conducts improvement examinations for students who wish to improve their marks in specific subjects. The improvement exams replace the traditional compartment examination system.
Event
Expected Dates
Improvement Exam 2026
July 1 - July 17, 2026
Improvement Result Declaration
August 2026
ICSE Class 10 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Students must fulfill specific eligibility requirements to appear for the ICSE Class 10 board examination. The CISCE has outlined clear guidelines regarding school enrollment, attendance, and academic progression that candidates must meet.
School Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in a school affiliated with the CISCE board and studying in Class 10 during the academic year 2025-26
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 75% attendance during the academic session is mandatory, unless exemption is granted under valid circumstances
Class 9 Promotion: Students must have passed all requirements of Class 9, including internal tests and assignments
Registration: Schools are responsible for completing exam registration and submitting candidate details and fees within the prescribed timeline
Internal Assessment: Students must complete all internal assessments, projects, and practical work as prescribed by the board
ICSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026
The ICSE examination follows a structured pattern with subjects divided into three groups. Understanding the marking scheme and question paper format helps students allocate their study time effectively and prepare for different types of questions.
Subject Groups in ICSE Class 10
Group
Subjects
Selection Criteria
Group I (Compulsory)
English (Paper 1 & 2), Second Language, History & Civics, Geography
Computer Applications, Economic Applications, Commercial Applications, Art, Physical Education, Home Science, Fashion Designing, Cookery, Performing Arts
Choose any 1 subject
ICSE Marking Scheme 2026
Component
Group I & II Subjects
Group III Subjects
Theory/External Exam
80 Marks
50 Marks
Internal Assessment/Practical
20 Marks
50 Marks
Total Marks
100 Marks
100 Marks
Question Paper Structure
Section
Question Type
Marks
Section A
Compulsory short answer questions (MCQs, Fill in the blanks, True/False)
40 Marks
Section B
Long answer questions with internal choice
40 Marks
ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026
The ICSE Class 10 syllabus for 2025-26 is comprehensive and covers theoretical knowledge along with practical applications. CISCE has released the complete syllabus on its official website, and students should thoroughly understand each topic to score well in the examinations.
ICSE English Syllabus 2026
English in ICSE consists of two papers - English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2). Each paper carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment.
The Merchant of Venice (Acts III, IV & V) by William Shakespeare
Prose
Treasure Chest - A Collection of ICSE Short Stories
Poetry
Treasure Chest - A Collection of ICSE Poems
ICSE Mathematics Syllabus 2026
Unit
Topics
Commercial Mathematics
Goods and Services Tax, Banking, Shares and Dividends
Algebra
Linear Inequations, Quadratic Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Factorisation, Matrices
Geometry
Similarity, Circles, Locus, Constructions
Mensuration
Area and Volume of Solids (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities, Heights and Distances
Statistics
Mean, Median, Mode, Histogram, Ogive
Probability
Basic Probability, Random Experiments
Coordinate Geometry
Distance Formula, Section Formula, Equation of Line
ICSE Science Syllabus 2026
Physics
Unit
Topics
Force, Work, Power and Energy
Turning forces, Equilibrium, Centre of gravity, Work, Energy, Power, Machines
Light
Refraction, Lenses, Spectrum, Eye defects
Sound
Reflection of sound, Echo, Natural vibrations, Forced vibrations
Electricity and Magnetism
Ohm's Law, Electrical power, Household circuits, Magnetic effect of current, Electromagnetic induction
Heat
Calorimetry, Latent heat
Modern Physics
Radioactivity, Nuclear fission and fusion
Chemistry
Unit
Topics
Periodic Table
Periodic properties, Periodicity
Chemical Bonding
Electrovalent bonding, Covalent bonding
Acids, Bases and Salts
Properties, pH scale, Indicators
Analytical Chemistry
Identification of gases, Action of heat on substances
Mole Concept
Atomic mass, Molecular mass, Mole calculations
Electrolysis
Electrolysis of acidified water, Electroplating, Applications
Metallurgy
Extraction of metals, Properties of metals
Organic Chemistry
Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Homologous series
Biology
Unit
Topics
Basic Biology
Cell cycle, Cell division
Plant Physiology
Absorption, Transpiration, Photosynthesis
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Circulatory system, Excretory system, Nervous system, Endocrine system, Reproductive system
Physical Health and Hygiene
Communicable diseases, Personal and public hygiene
Pollution
Air, Water, Soil pollution; Conservation
ICSE History & Civics Syllabus 2026
Section
Topics
History
Indian National Movement (1857-1947): First War of Independence, Rise of Nationalism, Indian National Congress, Partition of Bengal, Home Rule Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, Independence and Partition
History (World)
World War I, Rise of Dictatorships, World War II, United Nations
Civics
Union Legislature (Parliament), Union Executive (President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers), Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Court)
ICSE Geography Syllabus 2026
Unit
Topics
Map Work
Interpretation of topographical maps, Map reading skills
Climate
Factors affecting climate, Monsoons, Distribution of rainfall
Natural Resources
Soil resources, Water resources, Mineral resources, Forest resources
Agriculture
Food crops, Cash crops, Agricultural practices
Industries
Agro-based industries, Mineral-based industries, Industrial regions
Transport
Roadways, Railways, Waterways, Airways
Waste Management
Types of waste, Waste disposal methods
ICSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026
The ICSE Class 10 admit card 2026 will be released by CISCE in February 2026 through the school login portal. Schools will download and distribute admit cards to students. The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the board examination.
How to Collect ICSE Admit Card 2026
Schools will download admit cards from the CISCE portal using their login credentials
Students must collect their admit cards from their respective schools
Verify all details including name, roll number, date of birth, and subjects
Report any discrepancies to the school immediately
Keep 2-3 photocopies of the admit card as backup
Details on ICSE Admit Card 2026
Candidate's name and photograph
Roll number and unique ID
Father's/Guardian's name
Date of birth
School name and code
Examination centre details
Subject-wise exam schedule
Important instructions for exam day
ICSE Class 10 Grading System 2026
CISCE follows a 9-point grading system for evaluating students' performance in the ICSE examination. The grading system helps in standardizing assessment and reducing unhealthy competition among students.
Grade
Marks Range
Description
1
90% and above
Outstanding
2
80% - 89%
Excellent
3
70% - 79%
Very Good
4
60% - 69%
Good
5
50% - 59%
Satisfactory
6
40% - 49%
Pass with Credit
7
33% - 39%
Pass
8
25% - 32%
Fail
9
Below 25%
Fail
ICSE Class 10 Passing Marks 2026
Students must achieve minimum marks in both individual subjects and overall aggregate to pass the ICSE Class 10 examination. Understanding the passing criteria helps students set realistic targets and focus their preparation accordingly.
Criteria
Requirement
Minimum Aggregate Marks
33% overall
Minimum Subject-wise Marks
35% in at least 5 out of 6 subjects
Passing Marks in Theory (out of 80)
26 marks
Pass Certificate Eligibility
Pass in 5 subjects including English
ICSE Class 10 Result 2026
The ICSE Class 10 result 2026 is expected to be declared in the last week of April or first week of May 2026. Students can check their results through multiple platforms including the official website, DigiLocker, and SMS.
How to Check ICSE Result 2026
Visit the official website results.cisce.org
Select "ICSE" under the course option
Enter your Unique ID and Index Number
Enter the captcha code displayed
Click on "Show Result" button
Download and print the result for future reference
Alternative Methods to Check Result
DigiLocker: Login to DigiLocker app and access ICSE result
SMS: Type ICSE followed by 7-digit Unique ID and send to 09248082883
CAREERS Portal: Access through CISCE CAREERS portal
ICSE Class 10 Result 2025 Statistics
The ICSE Class 10 result 2025 was declared on April 30, 2025. Analyzing previous year statistics helps students understand performance trends and set appropriate targets for their preparation.
Parameter
Statistics 2025
Total Candidates Appeared
2,52,557
Total Candidates Passed
2,50,249
Overall Pass Percentage
99.09%
Girls Pass Percentage
99.37%
Boys Pass Percentage
98.84%
Number of Boys Appeared
1,34,700 (53.33%)
Number of Girls Appeared
1,17,857 (46.67%)
Region-wise Pass Percentage 2025
Region
Pass Percentage
Western Region
99.83%
Southern Region
99.73%
Northern Region
98.78%
Eastern Region
98.70%
North Eastern Region
98.67%
Foreign Region
93.39%
Top Performing States 2025
Rank
State
Pass Percentage
1
Tamil Nadu
99.95%
2
Kerala
99.94%
3
Maharashtra
99.90%
ICSE Specimen Papers 2026
CISCE has released the ICSE specimen question papers 2026 on its official website. These sample papers follow the latest exam pattern and help students understand the marking scheme, question types, and difficulty level of the actual examination.
Benefits of Solving Specimen Papers
Understand the exact exam pattern and question format
Familiarize with the marking scheme and section-wise weightage
Improve time management skills
Identify important topics and frequently asked questions
Practice answer writing techniques
Self-assess preparation level before the actual exam
How to Download ICSE Specimen Papers 2026
Visit the official website cisce.org
Click on "Examination" tab on the dashboard
Select "ICSE Examinations" from the dropdown
Navigate to "Specimen Question Papers"
Select "2026" and download subject-wise papers in PDF format
ICSE Class 10 Preparation Tips 2026
Effective preparation requires a systematic approach combining thorough syllabus coverage, regular practice, and smart revision strategies. Following expert-recommended tips can significantly improve performance in the ICSE board examination.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
English Preparation
Practice essay writing, letter writing, and comprehension passages regularly
Read prescribed literature texts thoroughly and understand themes and characters
Focus on grammar rules and practice sentence transformation exercises
Build vocabulary through daily reading of newspapers and books
Practice previous year question papers for Literature in English
Mathematics Preparation
Master all formulas and theorems with regular practice
Solve problems from each chapter systematically
Focus on high-weightage topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration
Practice commercial mathematics problems including GST and Banking
Attempt full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
Science Preparation
Understand concepts thoroughly before attempting numerical problems
Create diagrams and flowcharts for better retention
Practice drawing labeled diagrams for Biology
Balance chemical equations and practice numericals in Chemistry
Focus on Physics derivations and their applications
Social Science Preparation
Create timelines for historical events in Indian National Movement
Understand constitutional provisions and functions of government bodies
Practice map work regularly for Geography
Focus on case studies and fact-based questions
Make concise notes for quick revision
General Preparation Tips
Complete the entire ICSE syllabus at least one month before exams
Create a realistic study timetable and follow it consistently
Make short notes and keywords for each subject for quick revision
Solve specimen papers and previous year question papers under exam conditions
Focus on internal assessments as they contribute 20% to the final score
Take regular breaks during study sessions to maintain concentration
Maintain good health with adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise
Clarify doubts with teachers promptly
ICSE Previous Year Question Papers
Solving previous year question papers is essential for understanding the exam pattern and identifying frequently asked topics. Regular practice with past papers helps improve time management and answer writing skills.
Year
Download Source
ICSE 2025 Question Papers
cisce.org
ICSE 2024 Question Papers
cisce.org
ICSE 2023 Question Papers
cisce.org
ICSE 2022 Question Papers
cisce.org
ICSE Revaluation and Rechecking Process 2026
Students who are not satisfied with their ICSE results can apply for rechecking or revaluation of their answer sheets. The application window typically opens immediately after the result declaration.
Process
Details
Rechecking Application Window
April 30 - May 4, 2026 (Expected)
Revaluation Application
After rechecking result (if unsatisfied)
Application Mode
Online through CISCE portal
Rechecking Fee
Rs. 1,000 per subject (approximately)
Improvement Examination 2026
CISCE provides an opportunity for students to improve their marks through improvement examinations held in July. Students who have passed can appear in up to two subjects to improve their scores.
Improvement exams are conducted in July 2026
Students can appear in maximum 2 subjects for improvement
Only students who have passed the main examination are eligible
The better of the two scores (main exam or improvement exam) is considered final
Project work marks from the main examination are carried forward
READ MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
The ICSE Class 10 board exams 2026 will be conducted from February 17 to March 30, 2026, as per the official date sheet released by CISCE on November 13, 2025. The exams will be held in offline pen-and-paper mode.
The ICSE Class 10 exam 2026 consists of 7 subjects divided into three groups. Group I and II subjects have 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment. Group III skill-based subjects have 50 marks each for theory and practical. The exam duration ranges from 2 to 3 hours depending on the subject.
Students must score minimum 33% marks in aggregate and 35% marks in at least 5 out of 6 subjects to pass the ICSE Class 10 examination. In theory papers of 80 marks, the passing mark is 26 marks.
ICSE specimen papers 2026 can be downloaded from the official website cisce.org. Navigate to Examinations, then ICSE Examinations, and click on Specimen Question Papers. Select 2026 and download subject-wise papers in PDF format.
The ICSE Class 10 admit cards 2026 will be released in February 2026 through the school login portal. Schools will download and distribute admit cards to students before the commencement of examinations.
CISCE follows a 9-point grading system where Grade 1 (90% and above) is the highest and Grade 9 (below 25%) indicates failure. Grades 1–2 indicate excellent performance, Grades 3–5 indicate pass with credit, Grades 6–7 indicate pass, and Grades 8–9 indicate failure.
Yes, students who have passed the ICSE examination can appear for improvement exams in up to two subjects in July 2026. The better of the two scores (main exam or improvement exam) will be considered as the final result.
The examination fee for ICSE Class 10 has been revised to Rs. 4,350 per candidate for the year 2026. This fee is uniform and includes all examination-related expenses.
For ICSE percentage calculation, English marks are the average of Language and Literature papers. Science marks are the average of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Social Science marks are the average of History and Geography. The best five subjects out of six are selected, and their total is divided by 5 to get the percentage.
The ICSE Class 10 result 2026 is expected to be declared in the last week of April or first week of May 2026. Results can be checked on results.cisce.org, DigiLocker, and through SMS.
Students must carry their original admit card to the examination centre on all exam days. Entry without admit card is not permitted. Additionally, students should carry basic stationery items like pens, pencils, and geometry box.
No, there is no negative marking in ICSE Class 10 examinations. Students are encouraged to attempt all questions as there is no penalty for wrong answers.
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