ICSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2024-25: The ICSE Class 10 Exam Pattern for 2024-25 has been officially released, providing students with crucial information about the structure and marking scheme for the upcoming board exams. The exam will consist of both theory and internal assessments, with a total of six subjects divided into three groups. Group I includes four compulsory subjects, Group II offers two optional subjects, and Group III consists of one optional subject.
The theory exams for most subjects will be of 80 marks, while the internal assessment will contribute 20 marks. The exam will feature multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions, with a focus on analytical and application-based questions, in line with the NEP 2020 guidelines. This detailed pattern allows students to plan their preparation effectively and understand the weightage of each section.Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Medium of Instruction | Hindi & English |
Duration | 2 Hours per subject |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice, Long/Short Answer Questions |
Total Subjects | 6 |
Group I | 4 Compulsory Subjects |
Group II | 2 Optional Subjects |
Group III | 1 Optional Subject |
Total Marks | 100 |
Negative Marking | No |
Theory Exam Marks | Group I & II : 80 Marks
Group III : 50 Marks |
Internal Assessment Marks | Group I & II : 20 Marks
Group III : 50 Marks |
Passing Marks | 33% Aggregate in Each Subject & Overall |
Group I: Compulsory Subjects
Subject | Types of Questions | Weightage |
---|---|---|
English | Language skills and literature skills | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
History & Civics | Short and long-answer type questions | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Geography | Short and long-answer type, map questions | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Second Language | Language skills and literature skills | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Group II: Optional Subjects (Choose Any Two)
Subject | Types of Questions | Weightage |
---|---|---|
Mathematics | 2 Sections: Section A (short answer), Section B (long answer) | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 2 Sections: Section A (short answer), Section B (long answer) | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Commercial Studies | 2 Sections: Section A (short answer), Section B (long answer) | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Environmental Science | 2 Sections: Section A (short answer), Section B (long answer) | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Economics | 2 Sections: Section A (short answer), Section B (long answer) | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Classical Language | Questions based on translation & grammar | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Modern Foreign Language | 5 questions, all compulsory, translation & grammar | 80 (external) + 20 (internal) |
Group III: Optional Subjects (Choose One)
Subject | Types of Questions | Weightage |
---|---|---|
Performing Arts | Section A – Vocal Music, Section B – Instrumental Music, Section C – Tabla | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Home Science | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Physical Education | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Art | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Cookery | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Yoga | Section A – All compulsory (40 marks), Sections B, C, D – Any two (20 marks each) | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Technical Drawing Applications | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Environmental Applications | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Computer Applications | Short and long-answer questions | 50 (external) + 50 (internal) |
Key Highlights of the Marking Scheme:
Total Marks per Subject : Each subject will carry a total of 100 marks , consisting of both the theory exam and internal assessments.
Minimum Passing Marks : Students need to secure at least 33% aggregate marks in each subject to pass the exam. This includes both theory and internal assessment marks.
Compulsory Subjects : To be considered a pass, students must pass in at least 5 subjects , including English .
Allocation of Marks per Question : The marks for each question will be clearly allotted, and students must answer questions according to the marks assigned. For example:
No Negative Marking : There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the ICSE 10th exam, so students are encouraged to attempt all questions to maximize their chances of scoring.
Weightage : The internal assessment will account for 20% of the total marks in each subject.
Conducted in Schools : Internal assessments are conducted in the respective schools and include various forms of evaluation, such as:
Contribution to Final Marks : The marks earned in internal assessments will be added to the final exam score, contributing to the overall marks.
Components of Internal Assessment :
ICSE 10th Grading System for Internal Exams
Grade | Remarks |
---|---|
A | Very Good |
B | Good |
C | Satisfactory |
D | Fail |
E | Fail |
ICSE 10th Grading System for External Exams
Grade | Remarks |
---|---|
1, 2 | Very Good |
3, 4, 5 | Credit |
6, 7 | Pass |
8, 9 | Fail |
Group I - Compulsory Subjects
Subject | Internal Assessment | External Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
---|---|---|---|
History, Civics, and Geography | 20% | 80% | 35% |
English | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Second Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Group II - Optional Subjects (Any 2 or 3 Subjects)
Subject | Internal Assessment | External Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Economics | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Mathematics | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Commercial Studies | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Environmental Science | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Modern Foreign Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Classical Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Aggregate ICSE Passing Marks : 33% in each subject and overall.
Group III - Optional Subjects (Any 1 Subject)
Subject | External Exam | Internal Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Commercial Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Computer Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Economic Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Performing Arts | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Art | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Home Science | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Yoga | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Fashion Designing | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Physical Education | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Cookery | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Technical Drawing Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
Environmental Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
A Modern Foreign Language | 50% | 50% | 35% |
1. Know Your Syllabus
Understanding the complete ICSE Class 10 syllabus is the first step in your preparation. Make sure you're aware of the units and chapters that are included in each subject. Once you know the syllabus, set clear targets for each subject, and prioritize based on the weightage of each chapter. Avoid starting with lengthy or less-weighted chapters; instead, tackle the high-weightage chapters first.2. Plan a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Creating a structured study schedule is key. Allocate enough time for all subjects, and if some topics are more difficult, plan additional time for those areas. Break your study sessions into smaller, manageable periods instead of studying for long hours. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Consistency in following the schedule is vital for staying on track.3. Include Breaks for Relaxation
Studying for extended periods without breaks can lead to monotony and mental fatigue. Taking regular breaks between study sessions helps refresh your mind and increases your ability to retain information. Use these breaks to relax or engage in a brief physical activity to boost concentration.4. Solve Previous Year’s Papers and ICSE 10th Specimen Papers 2025
Simply completing the syllabus is not enough for effective preparation. To get a better understanding of the exam pattern, it is crucial to solve previous years' question papers and ICSE 10th specimen papers 2025 . This will help you get familiar with the types of questions asked, the marking scheme, and the difficulty level of the exam. Practicing papers under timed conditions will also help improve your time management skills.5. Revision is the Key to Success
Revision plays an important role in reinforcing the concepts you've learned. After completing each chapter or topic, take time to revise it. This will help transfer information from working memory to long-term memory , making it easier to recall during the exam. Make sure to revise regularly and not just at the last moment.