The ICSE or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education is a Class 10 examination conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination or CISCE Board. However, it is popularly known as the ICSE Board exam. The ICSE Board follows the guidelines of the New Education Policy (NEP), 1986. While it is available only across a limited number of schools in India, it is gaining popularity as being on par with other educational boards in the country. oswal.io offers online preparation assistance to students for ICSE Board exams in classes 9 and 10.
An Introduction to ICSE
ICSE is conducted by CISCE, a private board of school education in India. It is a class 10 board exam that serves as a final evaluation for students completing their Secondary Education. The ICSE Board emphasizes conceptual understanding and practical application and focuses on developing strong language skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. The ICSE certification is widely recognized and valued, providing students with opportunities for higher education and career advancement both within India and Internationally.
Why oswal.io?
In their endeavor to achieve exceptional results in exams, students and parents are sparing no effort. They are dedicated to securing admissions in esteemed schools, utilizing reference materials to enhance subject knowledge, and engaging in extensive preparations for the ICSE Board exam. In this competitive environment, oswal.io offers a meticulously crafted online exam preparation module tailored specifically for Board Exams ICSE.
Important Highlights of ICSE Board
Here are some important highlights of the CISCE Board ICSE exam:
- The ICSE Board has a curriculum that ensures the holistic development of students
- An extensive syllabus with a wide range of subjects to choose from
- Focus on fluency in English that can help students clear exams like IELTS and TOEFL
- The examination includes both internal assessment and external examinations at the end of the academic year.
- ICSE Board result and certificate is recognized by institutes across India and in various foreign countries too
- Individualized attention and a balanced approach to academics and co-curricular activities
- A rigorous assessment system that fosters comprehensive learning and fosters a strong foundation
ICSE Board Class 10 Exam
The Class 10 exam is a significant milestone in the academic journey of a student. The ICSE Board class 10 exam is conducted offline every year. It assesses the student’s understanding across the selected subjects. The exam evaluates the students using internal and external evaluation exams. The curriculum and exam are designed to assess every student’s conceptual clarity, problem-solving abilities, and practical application of knowledge.
ICSE Exam Pattern
The subject-wise ICSE Board pattern is as follows:
English
- Paper 1 [2 hours]: This paper will typically include an essay of around 500 words, letter writing, questions based on an unseen passage, and grammar questions
- Paper 2 [2 hours]: This paper is divided into three sections with two questions each
Mathematics [2.5 hours]
- Section A: 40 marks – Four questions of 10 marks each
- Section B: 40 marks – Four questions of 10 marks each to be solved from seven given questions
Hindi [3 hours]
- Section A: This section will include an essay of around 250 words, letter writing, and questions based on an unseen passage
- Section B: Four questions from the two books read by the student
Physics [1.5 hours]
- Section A: 40 marks – Short compulsory questions
- Section B: 40 marks – Four questions of 10 marks each to be solved from six given questions
Chemistry [1.5 hours]
- Section A: 40 marks – Short compulsory questions
- Section B: 40 marks – Four questions of 10 marks each to be solved from six given questions
Biology [1.5 hours]
- Section A: 40 marks – Short compulsory questions
- Section B: 40 marks – Four questions of 10 marks each to be solved from six given questions
History and Civics [2 hours]
- Section A:
- Part 1: 10 marks – Short answer questions from Civics
- Part 2: 20 marks – Short answer questions from History
- Section B:
- Part 1: 20 marks – Two long answer questions from Civics
- Part 2: 30 marks – Three long answer questions from History
Geography [2 hours]
- Section A:
- Part 1: 10 marks – Map of India
- Part 2: 20 marks – Survey map and its interpretation
- Section B: 50 marks – Five questions of 10 marks each to be solved from nine given questions
E.V.S [2 hours]
- Section A: Four compulsory questions
- Section B: Four long answer-type questions to be solved from five given questions
ICSE Board Grading System
The Board Exam ICSE has seven subjects divided into three categories:
- Group 1: Compulsory subjects
- Group 2: Two/three optional subjects
- Group 3: One optional subject
Students must choose these optional subjects when they are in Class 9 while registering for Class 10 exams. Here is the ICSE Board grading system:
| Subjects |
External Examination |
Internal Assessment |
| Group 1 (Compulsory) |
| English |
80% |
20% |
| Second Language (one/two) |
80% |
20% |
| History, Geography, and Civics |
80% |
20% |
| Group 2 (Any two/three of the following subjects) |
| Classical Language |
80% |
20% |
| Commercial Studies |
80% |
20% |
| Environmental Science |
80% |
20% |
| Economics |
80% |
20% |
| Mathematics |
80% |
20% |
| Modern Foreign Language |
80% |
20% |
| Science (Physics, Biology, and Chemistry) |
80% |
20% |
| Group 3 (Any one of the following subjects) |
| Art |
50% |
50% |
| Commercial Applications |
50% |
50% |
| Computer Applications |
50% |
50% |
| Cookery |
50% |
50% |
| Economic Applications |
50% |
50% |
| Environmental Applications |
50% |
50% |
| Fashion Designing |
50% |
50% |
| Home Science |
50% |
50% |
| Modern Foreign Language |
50% |
50% |
| Performing Arts |
50% |
50% |
| Physical Education |
50% |
50% |
| Technical Drawing Applications |
50% |
50% |
| Yoga |
50% |
50% |
ICSE Board Exam Syllabus and Important Questions
By thoroughly examining the ICSE board syllabus, students gain clarity on the specific topics and concepts that will be assessed. This allows them to focus their efforts and study effectively, saving time and energy. Understanding the exam syllabus also helps in planning a structured study schedule, ensuring adequate coverage of all relevant subjects and topics. Here is a list of the ICSE Board exam 2023 syllabus and important questions for your ready reference:
| ICSE Board 2023 Syllabus |
Important Questions |
| Class 1 syllabus ICSE |
Class 1 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 2 syllabus ICSE |
Class 2 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 3 syllabus ICSE |
Class 3 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 4 syllabus ICSE |
Class 4 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 5 syllabus ICSE |
Class 5 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 6 syllabus ICSE |
Class 6 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 7 syllabus ICSE |
Class 7 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 8 syllabus ICSE |
Class 8 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 9 syllabus ICSE |
Class 9 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 10 syllabus ICSE |
Class 10 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 11 syllabus ICSE |
Class 11 ICSE – Important questions |
| Class 12 syllabus ICSE |
Class 12 syllabus ICSE – Important questions [SS1] |
Oswal gives you the Competitive Edge
If you are looking to gain an edge over your peers, then here is how oswal.io can help:
- Extensive question bank with over 80,000+ questions across eight question types
- Customizable tests allowing students to select specific subjects, chapters, question types, and difficulty levels
- Answers evaluated by subject matter experts for accurate feedback
- Comprehensive performance reports available to identify strengths and weaknesses
- Enables students to devise effective study plans for overall score improvement
By leveraging the resources offered by oswal.io, students gain a valuable edge over their peers, fostering a deeper understanding of subjects, and ultimately achieving enhanced results in their ICSE Board exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are ICSE exams tougher than other board exams?
The difficulty level of exams can vary depending on the preparation of the student. ICSE board exams are designed to assess the student’s understanding, analytical skills, and application-based knowledge. With thorough preparation and effective study strategies, students can excel in ICSE exams.
Q2. Are ICSE Board certificates recognized internationally?
Yes, ICSE Board certificates are widely recognized and accepted by Universities and educational Institutions globally. However, it is recommended to check specific admission requirements and recognition policies of individual universities or countries.
Q3. Are there any scholarships available for ICSE students?
Yes, various scholarships and financial aid programs are available for ICSE board students. These scholarships are offered by Government Bodies, Private Organizations, and Institutions based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Students can research and apply for relevant scholarships to support their education.
Q4. How can oswal.io help my child?
oswal.io offers online exam preparation assistance to students. With a range of practice questions and test papers, students can prepare for their board exams in a structured manner.
