The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has introduced the Class 10 Biology Syllabus for the 2026–27 academic session, aimed at developing a clear understanding of life processes, human body systems, and environmental studies. The syllabus blends conceptual learning with practical application, enabling students to strengthen their fundamentals and excel in board examinations as well as future science studies.
The ICSE Class 10 Biology exam consists of one written paper of 80 marks and Internal Assessment of practical work carrying 20 marks. The exam duration is 2 hours. The syllabus is structured into different units that cover both plant and human biology along with environmental topics.
This section introduces fundamental concepts of cell division and genetics.
Key topics include:
Cell cycle: Interphase and mitotic phase
Mitosis and a basic understanding of meiosis
Structure of chromosomes and DNA
Mendel’s laws of inheritance
Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
Sex determination and sex-linked diseases
Students must focus on understanding concepts like genes, alleles, genotype, and phenotype, as these are important for exams.
Plant physiology explains how plants function and survive.
Important topics include:
Absorption of water by roots (diffusion, osmosis, imbibition)
Transpiration: Process, significance, and factors affecting it
Photosynthesis: Process, chemical equation, and experiments
Carbon cycle and role of chlorophyll
Plant growth regulators like auxins and gibberellins
Tropic movements such as phototropism and geotropism
Students should also understand experiments related to transpiration and photosynthesis, as they are commonly asked in exams.
This is one of the most important sections of the ICSE Class 10 Biology syllabus 2026–27.
Structure and function of the heart
Blood components (RBC, WBC, platelets)
Blood vessels and circulation
Blood pressure and pulse
Structure and function of kidneys
Nephron and urine formation
Excretory organs
Structure of neuron
Brain and spinal cord
Reflex action and sense organs (eye and ear)
Defects of the eye and corrective measures
Endocrine glands like thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, and pituitary
Hormones and their functions
Effects of hormonal imbalance
Male and female reproductive organs
Fertilization, pregnancy, and placenta
Menstrual cycle
Role of hormones
This section requires diagram practice and clear understanding of processes.
This chapter focuses on population growth and its impact.
Topics include:
Population explosion in India
Birth rate, death rate, and population density
Problems due to overpopulation
Methods of population control
Students should understand both causes and solutions related to population issues.
This section introduces the concept of evolution.
Important topics include:
Human ancestors and evolution stages
Lamarck’s theory of inheritance
Darwin’s theory of natural selection
Survival of the fittest
Understanding differences between theories is important for scoring well.
This chapter explains environmental issues and their effects.
Topics include:
Types of pollution: air, water, soil, noise, and radiation
Sources and effects of pollution
Greenhouse effect, global warming, and ozone depletion
Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste
Pollution control measures
This section is important for awareness-based questions.
Below, we have provided the complete syllabus PDF for your easy reference. This PDF includes all important topics, chapters, and practical details for the 2026–27 exam.
You can download it to understand the syllabus clearly, plan your preparation effectively, and revise key concepts anytime. Keeping this PDF handy will help you stay organized throughout your board exam preparation.
ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus PDF Download
The ICSE Class 10 Biology Internal Assessment and Practical Work are designed to help students develop scientific skills through hands-on experiments and project-based learning. It focuses on observation, accuracy, and application of theoretical concepts in real-life situations.
The practical work tests a student’s ability to make accurate observations from plant and animal specimens.
(i) Mitosis
Observation of permanent slides showing stages of mitosis.
(ii) Basic Experiments
Diffusion: Using potassium permanganate in water.
Osmosis: Thistle funnel experiment and potato osmoscope.
Absorption: Using a small herbaceous plant.
(iii) Transpiration Experiments
Demonstration using a bell jar.
Unequal transpiration using cobalt chloride paper.
Water uptake and transpiration rate using Ganong’s potometer.
(iv) Photosynthesis Experiments
To show the need for light, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll.
To show oxygen release using hydrilla/elodea.
(i) Identification (Models/Charts)
Urinary system
Heart
Kidney (internal structure)
Brain (external view)
(ii) Microscopic Study
Identification of different types of blood cells.
(iii) Sense Organs
Internal structure of the ear and eye (models/charts).
(iv) Endocrine Glands
Identification and location of:
Adrenal
Pancreas
Thyroid
Pituitary glands
Practical/project work is assessed by:
Internal Examiner (Subject Teacher)
External Examiner
Both examiners evaluate independently.
To score well in Biology, students should follow these strategies:
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing
Practice diagrams regularly
Revise important definitions and processes
Solve previous year questions
Prepare short notes for quick revision
Consistency and regular practice are key to success.