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ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme - Group 1, Group 2

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme - Group 1, Group 2

Edited By Mallika Thaledder | Updated on Jun 27, 2025 09:19 AM IST | #ICSE 10th

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) released the ICSE exam pattern 2026 online through the official website, cisce.org. Students appearing for the ICSE 10th exam must learn the ICSE class 10th exam pattern 2026 exam pattern, syllabus and prepare for the exams accordingly. This year, the board has increased the Class 10 maths exam duration to 2-3 hours. Earlier, it was 2.5 hours. The CISCE board will conduct the exam in February-March 2026. Read the entire article to learn more about the ICSE class 10th exam pattern 2026.

This Story also Contains
  1. ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 Subject Criteria
  2. ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 1
  3. ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 2
  4. ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 3
  5. ICSE 10th Exam Preparation Tips 2026
ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme - Group 1, Group 2
ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme - Group 1, Group 2

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 Subject Criteria

Students appearing for the Class 10th ICSE exam 2026 must know the subject criteria for the exam. They will have to select a minimum of six subjects, as it is a mandatory requirement.

Group 1 (Compulsory):

The percentage of internal examination will carry 80 marks, and 20 marks will be for internal assessment. The subjects in group 1 are all mandatory. The subjects in group 1 include:

  • English

  • A second language

  • History, Civics and Geography

Group 2:

Students appearing for the exam will be required to select a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 subjects from group 2. This group consists of the following subjects:

  • Mathematics

  • Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)

  • Economics

  • Commercial Studies

  • Modern Foreign Language

  • Classical Language

  • Environmental Science

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Group 3:

Students will be required to choose one subject from the following options. The ICSE marking scheme for group 3 will consist of 50% for both external and internal assessment. The subjects in group 3 include:

  • Computer Applications

  • Economic Applications

  • Commercial Applications

  • Art

  • Performing Arts

  • Home Science

  • Cookery

  • Fashion Designing

  • Physical Education

  • Yoga

  • Technical Drawing Applications

  • Environmental Applications

  • Modern Foreign Languages

  • Mass Media & Communication

  • Hospitality Management

  • Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

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Subject Combinations that are not Allowed for ICSE Exam 2026

Students who are appearing for the ICSE 10th exam 2026 must know that there are subject combinations that are not allowed. Below, we have provided the list of combinations for their reference:

  • Sanskrit as a Second Language (Group I) and Sanskrit as a Classical Language (Group II).

  • Economics (Group II) and Economic Applications (Group III).

  • Commercial Studies (Group II) and Commercial Applications (Group III).

  • Environmental Science (Group II) and Environmental Applications (Group III).

  • Candidates opting for Modern Foreign Language in any of the three groups must opt for a different language in the other two groups.

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 1

The subjects in group 1 are compulsory for all students appearing for the exam. They must learn all the subjects and read the syllabus to score better in the ICSE 10th result 2026. The CISCE has not released the ICSE 10th board exam pattern, below we have provided the previous year’s ICSE exam pattern 2026 for students’ reference.

ICSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 for Group 1

Subject

Question Type

ICSE Board Exam Total Marks

English

Paper 1: English Language - Composition, Letter, Notice/email, Unseen prose/passage


Paper 2: Literature in English -

Drama, Prose, and Poetry from prescribed textbooks

80 for each paper and

20 marks each for Internal assessment

History, Civics, Geography

H.C.G. Paper 1

History and Civics paper will be divided into two parts, Part I and Part II.

Part I (30 marks) will contain short answer questions from the entire syllabus. (Compulsory questions)

Part II (50 marks) will consist of Section A and Section B. Candidates will be required to answer two out of three questions from Section A and three out of five questions from Section B.


H.C.G. Paper 2

The geography paper will consist of two parts, Part I and Part II

Part I (compulsory) will consist of two questions. Question 1 will be based on Topographical Map. Question 2 will be based on an outline Map of India.

Part II: Candidates will be expected to answer any five questions

80 marks for each written paper and 20 marks for the Internal assessment each.

A Second Language

There will be one written paper of 3 hours duration. Candidates will be required to attempt questions on:

Composition, Letter, Comprehension, Grammar, Translation and/or Dialogue Writing

80 marks for written paper and 20 for Internal Assessment

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 2

Students appearing for the exam must choose a minimum of 2 subjects and a maximum of 3 subjects from group 2. Check out the table below to learn more about the exam pattern.

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Group 2

Subject

Question Type

ICSE Board Exam Total Marks

Mathematics

The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks)


Section I: will consist of compulsory short answer questions.


Section II: Candidates will be required to answer four out of seven questions.

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for Internal assessment

Science

(Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Science Paper 1: Physics

The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks).


Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer questions on the entire syllabus.


Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four of these six questions


Science Paper 2: Chemistry

The paper will be divided into two sections,


Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks).


Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer questions on the entire syllabus.


Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four of these six questions


Science Paper 3: Biology

The paper will be divided into two sections,


Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks).


Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer questions on the entire syllabus.


Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four of these six questions.

80 for each paper and

20 marks each for Internal assessment

Economics

The paper will be divided into two sections A and B.

Section A will consist of questions requiring short answers and will cover the entire syllabus. There will be no choice of questions.

Section B will consist of questions that will require detailed answers. There will be a choice and candidates will be required to answer four questions from this section.

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment

Commercial Studies

The paper will be divided into two sections A and B.


Section A (Compulsory) will consist of questions requiring short answers and will cover the entire syllabus.


Section B will consist of questions, which will require detailed answers. There will be a choice and candidates will be required to answer four questions from this section.

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment

A Modern Foreign Language

The paper will consist of five questions, all of which will be compulsory.


Composition, Letter, Vocabulary, Syntax and Idiom, Unseen passage, translation of passage

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment

A Classical Language

The paper will consist of the following tests:

Question on elementary Sanskrit grammar.

Unprepared translation from English into Sanskrit consisting of short prose sentences.

Unprepared translation from Sanskrit into English.

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment

Environmental Science

The paper will have two Sections:


Section A (Compulsory) will contain short answer questions covering the entire syllabus.


Section B will contain six questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four questions from this section

80 marks for written paper and 20 marks for internal assessment

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Group 3

Students will be required to choose any one subject from group 3. The written test and internal assessment will carry a weighting of 50 marks each. Check out the exam pattern for group 3 below:

ICSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Group 3

Subject

Question Type

Total Marks

Computer Applications

There will be two sections in the paper


Section A (40 marks) - All short answer questions will be compulsory.


Section B (60 marks) - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers.

100 marks for the written exam

100 marks for Internal assessment

Economic Applications

The paper will consist of Part I and Part II.


Part I - will contain short answer questions on the entire syllabus (compulsory)


Part II - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers.

100 marks for the written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Commercial Applications

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Art

There will be 4 papers, candidates will be required to opt for any two papers:


Paper 1: Drawing and/or Painting from Still Life

Paper 2: Drawing and/or Painting from Nature

Paper 3: Original Imaginative Composition in Colour

Paper 4: Applied Art

100 marks for written exam on each paper

100 marks Internal assessment of each paper

Performing Arts

The syllabus is divided into three sections:


Section A: Vocal Music

Section B: Instrumental Music

Section C: Tabla

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Home Science

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - Candidates will be required to answer four questions. There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers.

100 marks for written exam

100 marks for Internal assessment

Cookery

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - Candidates will be required to answer four questions. There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers.

100 marks for written exam

100 marks for Internal assessment

Fashion Designing

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - Candidates will be required to answer four questions. There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers.

100 marks for the written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Physical Education

The written paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A: will consist of compulsory short answer questions.


Section B: Candidates will be required to answer questions on the rules, skills required and the methods of training for any two of the given team games.

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Yoga

The theory paper will be divided into 4 sections:


Section I: Compulsory section (40 marks)


Section II, III, IV - 20 marks each with the choice to attempt two questions from each section.

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Technical Drawing Applications

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section I: Candidates will be required to attempt three questions out of five


Section II: Candidates will be required to attempt two questions out of three

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Environmental Applications

The paper will be divided into two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

A Modern Foreign Language

The paper will consist of five questions all of which will be compulsory.

Composition, Letter, Translation, Unseen passage, short answer questions

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Mass Media & Communication

The paper will consist of two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

Hospitality Management

The paper will consist of two sections:


Section A - It will consist of compulsory short-answer questions covering the entire syllabus


Section B - There will be a choice of questions in this section requiring detailed answers

100 marks for written exam

100 marks Internal assessment

ICSE 10th Exam Preparation Tips 2026

To score better in the ICSE 10th result 2026, students must create a well-structured study plan. Below we have provided some ICSE 10th exam preparation tips 2026 for the students:

  • Organise Study Materials: Students must prepare all study materials, such as textbooks, reference books, and note,s properly organized for easy access.
  • Avoid Procrastination: They must begin the exam preparation at the start of the academic year to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Complete Syllabus Early: Students must aim to finish the ICSE Class 10 syllabus 2026 at least two months before exams commence.
  • Plan Weekly: Outline the topics to cover each week and track your progress. Consistency is key.
  • Prioritise Revision: Regularly revise by solving ICSE question papers 2026 to understand the exam pattern and types of questions. Also, go through ICSE competency-based questions to prepare better.
  • Stay Connected with Teachers: Consult teachers for clarification and guidance whenever needed.

Also, check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there an internal assessment in the ICSE 10th exam pattern?

Yes, internal assessments are included in the ICSE 10th exam pattern 2026. The internal assessment marks along with the theory paper marks contribute to the total marks secured in the respective subject by the candidate.

2. What are the passing marks in the ICSE 10th exams 2026?

Students will have to score at least 33 per cent marks in each subject separately to pass the ICSE exams 2026.

3. When will the ICSE 10th exams 2026 be held?

The ICSE 10th board exams will be held in February-March 026.

4. Is it compulsory for a student to select all the subjects from Group I?

Yes, students who are going to appear in the ICSE 10th exams 2026 will have to study all the 3 subjects incorporated in Group I.

5. How many subjects in total have to be selected by a student for ICSE exams?

Students are required to opt for a minimum of 6 subjects for ICSE 10th exams.

6. How many subjects can a student select from Group II?

Students will be required to select a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 subjects from Group II.

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Questions related to ICSE 10th

Have a question related to ICSE 10th ?
as an icse student in class 10 is above 80 percent good enough to get into commerce in 11th cbse

Yes, scoring above 80% in ICSE Class 10 exams typically meets the requirements to get into the Commerce stream in Class 11th under the CBSE board . Admission criteria can vary between schools, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the intended CBSE school. Generally, a good academic record with a score above 80% in ICSE 10th result is considered strong for such transitions.

Read Complete Answer
Manasvini Gupta 23 July,2024
As an icse student how is above 80 percentage enough to get me into a 11th commerce in cbse board?

Yes, scoring above 80% in ICSE Class 10 exams typically meets the requirements to get into the Commerce stream in Class 11th under the CBSE board . Admission criteria can vary between schools, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the intended CBSE school. Generally, a good academic record with a score above 80% in ICSE 10th result is considered strong for such transitions.

Read Complete Answer
Manasvini Gupta 23 July,2024
I want to know about CIPET JEE Exam .My son is studying in grade 9/ICSE.which preparation he has to do and when he can give the above exam.which colleges or university are good for plastic engineering

CIPET JEE (Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology Joint Entrance Examination) is an entrance exam for admission to various plastic engineering courses offered by CIPET and other affiliated institutions.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 10 or equivalent exams are eligible.

Exam Pattern:

  • Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
  • Subjects: General Aptitude, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and General English

Preparation:

  • Strengthen Fundamentals: Focus on concepts from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and General English.
  • Practice MCQs: Solve plenty of practice questions to get familiar with the exam format and improve time management.
  • Refer to Study Materials: Use CIPET JEE-specific study materials and textbooks.
  • Join Coaching (Optional): Consider joining a coaching institute for structured guidance and practice.

Exam Dates:

  • CIPET JEE is usually conducted once a year. The exact dates for the upcoming exam can be found on the official CIPET website

Colleges and Universities for Plastic Engineering:

  • CIPET (Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology) campuses across India
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
  • National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy
  • Anna University, Chennai
  • University of Mumbai
  • University of Delhi

Choosing the Right College:

  • Location: Consider factors like proximity to home, cost of living, and job opportunities.
  • Infrastructure: Look for colleges with well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and experienced faculty.
  • Placement Record: Research the college's placement record for plastic engineering graduates.
  • Specializations: Check if the college offers specializations in areas of interest, such as polymer technology, plastic product design, or mold engineering.

Starting Preparation:

  • Your son can start preparing for CIPET JEE in his Class 9 or 10. Building a strong foundation in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English is crucial.
  • As the exam approaches, he can focus on practicing MCQs and revising key concepts.

Remember, consistent effort and focused preparation are essential for success in CIPET JEE.

I hope it helps !!



Read Complete Answer
Kanishka kaushikii 10 September,2024
I have done my ICSE 10th and wish to join robotics and automation. A college offering Diploma in Robotics and Automation would be better or should I take up Diploma in Mechanical Engg or Diploma in Electrical and Telecommunication Engg and then go for B Tech in Robotics?

Diploma in Robotics and Automation:

  • Focus: Provides specific knowledge and skills in robotics and automation systems, including design, operation, and maintenance. You learn about robot kinematics, dynamics, control systems, sensors, and actuators.

  • Benefits:
    • Faster entry into the workforce in robotics and automation field.
    • Gain practical skills through hands-on labs and projects.
    • Strong foundation for further studies in robotics (B.Tech. in Robotics).

  • Drawbacks:
    • Might limit career options compared to a broader engineering diploma.
    • Less theoretical foundation compared to a mechanical or electrical engineering diploma.


    • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering:
      • Focus: Provides a broad foundation in mechanical or electrical engineering principles, respectively. You'll learn about mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical circuits, electronics, communication systems, etc.

      • Benefits:
        • Opens doors to a wider range of engineering careers beyond robotics.
        • Stronger theoretical foundation for B.Tech. in Robotics (or other engineering fields).

      • Drawbacks:
        • Might not provide as much specific robotics and automation knowledge as a dedicated diploma.
        • Requires additional effort to learn robotics through self-study or electives during B.Tech.

          I hope it helps!

(https://medium.com/@dpgpolytechnic33/best-diploma-in-robotics-and-automation-827f15790f58)

Read Complete Answer
Nitin Kumar 14 June,2024
So I have boards this year and I'm a pretty good student and I expect to get 95% above in boards and I want to get admission here for my fyjc however I am from icse board and in group 2 I took commerce and economics as my subjects not maths so am I eligible for admission without maths in 11th

Yes, you are eligible for admission to FYJC (First Year Junior College) in Commerce without having Mathematics in your ICSE board subjects. Most colleges offer Commerce streams without requiring Mathematics as a mandatory subject in 10th grade. Since you’ve taken Commerce and Economics in Group 2, you can pursue Commerce in 11th grade without any issues.


In the Commerce stream for FYJC, you typically study subjects like Accounts, Economics, Business Studies, and English, among others. Mathematics is often offered as an optional subject, and you can choose whether or not to take it based on your interests and career goals.


If you aim to pursue courses like B.Com, CA, or other commerce-related programs in the future, not having Mathematics in 11th and 12th won’t be a barrier. However, if you’re considering careers in finance, economics, or certain business fields where advanced mathematics might be beneficial, you could opt for Mathematics as an elective in FYJC, if available.


It’s advisable to check with the specific colleges you’re interested in for their exact admission criteria and subject requirements, as some prestigious institutions might have their own guidelines.

Read Complete Answer
monag2673 02 September,2024
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