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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) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Class | Class 10 (Secondary) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Based) |
| Exam Duration | 2 to 3 Hours (Subject-wise) |
| Total Subjects | 7 Subjects (4 Compulsory + 2 Optional + 1 Skill-based) |
| Theory Marks | 80 Marks (for Group I and II subjects) |
| Internal Assessment | 20 Marks |
| Passing Marks | 33% Aggregate and 35% in 5 out of 6 subjects |
| Exam Fee (2026) | Rs. 4,350 per candidate |
| Official Website | cisce.org |
ICSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
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.
| Date | Day | Subject/Paper | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | English Language (Paper 1) | 2 Hours |
| February 19, 2026 | Thursday | Literature in English (Paper 2) | 2 Hours |
| February 21, 2026 | Saturday | Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu | 3 Hours |
| February 24, 2026 | Tuesday | History & Civics (H.C.G. Paper 1) | 2 Hours |
| February 26, 2026 | Thursday | Geography (H.C.G. Paper 2) | 2 Hours |
| February 28, 2026 | Saturday | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Physics (Science Paper 1) | 2 Hours |
| March 5, 2026 | Thursday | Chemistry (Science Paper 2) | 2 Hours |
| March 7, 2026 | Saturday | Biology (Science Paper 3) | 2 Hours |
| March 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Computer Applications | 2 Hours |
| March 12, 2026 | Thursday | Economics, Commercial Studies | 2 Hours |
| March 16, 2026 | Monday | Environmental Science | 2 Hours |
| March 19, 2026 | Thursday | Physical Education | 2 Hours |
| March 23, 2026 | Monday | Home Science, Fashion Designing | 2 Hours |
| March 30, 2026 | Monday | Art (Paper 1, 2, 3, 4) | Varies |
ICSE Improvement Exam Dates 2026
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 | All 4 subjects are compulsory |
| Group II (Elective) | Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Economics, Commercial Studies, Modern Foreign Language, Classical Language, Environmental Science | Choose any 2 subjects |
| Group III (Skill-based) | 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.
| Paper | Section | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English Language (Paper 1) | Composition | Essay writing, Argumentative writing, Descriptive writing, Narrative writing |
| Letter Writing | Formal letters, Informal letters, E-mails, Notices | |
| Comprehension | Unseen passage with questions | |
| Grammar | Tenses, Voice, Narration, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Sentence transformation | |
| Literature in English (Paper 2) | Drama | 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ICSE Class 10 Exam 2026
1. When will the ICSE Class 10 exams 2026 be conducted?
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.
2. What is the exam pattern for ICSE Class 10 2026?
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.
3. What are the passing marks for ICSE Class 10 exam 2026?
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.
4. How can I download the ICSE specimen papers 2026?
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.
5. When will the ICSE Class 10 admit card 2026 be released?
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.
6. What is the grading system followed in ICSE Class 10?
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.
7. Can I improve my marks after passing ICSE Class 10?
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.
8. What is the fee for ICSE Class 10 exam 2026?
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.
9. How is the ICSE percentage calculated?
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.
10. When will the ICSE Class 10 result 2026 be declared?
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.
11. What documents are required on the ICSE exam day?
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.
12. Is there negative marking in ICSE Class 10 exam?
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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