ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2027 Biology

ICSE YEAR 2027

INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION
EXAMINATION

SCIENCE (52)
BIOLOGY

February 2025
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MISSION STATEMENT

The Council for the Indian School Certificate
Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.
Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.

CLASS X
There will be one paper of two hours duration of 2. Plant Physiology
80 marks and Internal Assessment of practical work (i) Absorption by roots, imbibition, diffusion
carrying 20 marks. and osmosis; osmotic pressure, root pressure;
1. Basic Biology turgidity and flaccidity; plasmolysis and
deplasmolysis; the absorption of water and
(i) Cell Cycle and Cell Division.
minerals; active and passive transport (in
Cell cycle – Interphase (G 1 , S, G 2 ) and brief); The rise of water up to the xylem;
Mitotic phase. Forces responsible for ascent of sap.
Cell Division: • Understanding of the processes related
• Mitosis and its stages. to absorption of water by the roots.
• A basic understanding of Meiosis as a • Characteristics of roots, which make
reduction division (stages not required). them suitable for absorbing water.
• A brief idea of homologous chromosomes • Structure of a single full-grown root
and crossing over leading to variations. hair.
• Significance and major differences
• A general idea of Cohesive, Adhesive
between mitotic and meiotic division.
forces and transpirational pull.
(ii) Structure of chromosome.
• Experiments to show the conduction of
Basic structure of chromosome with water through the xylem.
elementary understanding of terms such as
chromatin, chromatid, gene structure of DNA (ii) Transpiration - process and significance.
and centromere. Ganong’s potometer and its limitations. The
(iii) Genetics: Mendel’s laws of inheritance and factors affecting rate of transpiration.
sex-linked inheritance of diseases. Experiments on transpiration. A brief idea of
guttation and bleeding.
• The three laws of Mendel.
• Concept of transpiration and its
• Monohybrid cross – phenotype and
importance to plants
genotype.
• Dihybrid cross – Only phenotype. • Experiments related to transpiration:
• The following terms to be covered: gene, (a) Loss in weight of a potted plant or a
allele, heterozygous, homozygous, leafy shoot in a test tube as a result
dominant, recessive, mutation, variation, of transpiration.
phenotype, genotype.
(b) Use of cobalt chloride paper to
• Sex determination in human beings. demonstrate unequal rate of
Sex linked inheritance of diseases to transpiration in a dorsiventral leaf.
include only X-linked like haemophilia
• Mechanism of stomatal transpiration on
and colour blindness.
the basis of potassium ion exchange
theory.
• Adaptations in plants to reduce
transpiration.
• A brief idea of guttation and bleeding.

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(iii) Photosynthesis: The process and its 3. Human Anatomy and Physiology
importance to life in general; experiments to
(i) Circulatory System: Blood and lymph, the
show the necessity of light, carbon dioxide,
structure and working of the heart, blood
chlorophyll, formation of starch and release
vessels, circulation of blood (only names of
of oxygen; carbon cycle.
. The process and significance of
the main blood vessels entering and leaving
the heart, liver and kidney will be required).
Photosynthesis. Lymphatic system.
• The internal structure of chloroplast to • Composition of blood (structure and
be explained to give an idea of the site of functions of RBC, WBC and platelets).
light and dark reactions.
• Brief idea of tissue fluid and lymph.
• Opening and closing of stomata based on
• Increase in efficiency of mammalian red
potassium ion exchange theory.
blood cells due to absence of certain
• Overall balanced chemical equation to organelles; reasons for the same.
represent photosynthesis.
• A brief idea of blood coagulation.
• Introduction of the terms
• Structure and working of the heart along
"photochemical" for light phase and
with names of the main blood vessels
"biosynthetic" for dark phases.
entering and leaving the heart, the liver
• Light reaction - activation of chlorophyll and the kidney.
followed by photolysis of water, release
• Concept of systole and diastole; concept
of O2, formation of ATP
of double circulation.
(photophosphorylation) and NADPH.
• Brief idea of pulse and blood pressure.
• Dark reaction - only combination of
hydrogen released by NADP with CO 2 to • Blood vessels: artery, vein and capillary
form glucose. (detailed equations are not to be explained with the help of diagrams
required). to bring out the relationship between
their structure and function.
• Adaptations in plants for photosynthesis.
• Brief idea of the lymphatic organs:
• Experiments with regard to the factors
spleen and tonsils.
essential for photosynthesis; emphasis on
destarching and the steps involved in • ABO blood group system, Rh factor.
starch test.
• Significance of the hepatic portal system.
• A diagrammatic representation of
“carbon cycle”.
(ii) Excretory System: A brief introduction to the
(iv) Chemical coordination in Plants: A general excretory organs; parts of the urinary system;
study of plant growth regulators; Tropic structure and function of the kidneys; blood
movements in plants. vessels associated with kidneys; structure and
function of nephron
• A brief idea of the physiological effects of
Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, • A brief idea of different excretory organs
Abscisic acid and Ethylene in regulating in the human body.
the growth of plants.
• External and internal structure of the
• A basic understanding of the tropic kidney;
movements in plants with reference
to – Phototropism, Geotropism, • Parts of the urinary system along with
Hydrotropism, Thigmotropism and the blood vessels entering and leaving
Chemotropism (supported with suitable the kidney; functions of various parts of
examples). the urinary system (emphasis on diagram
with correct labelling). A general idea of
the structure of a kidney tubule/ nephron.

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• A brief idea of ultra-filtration (emphasis (iv) Endocrine System: General study of the
on the diagram of malpighian capsule); following glands: Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid
selective reabsorption and tubular and Pituitary. Endocrine and Exocrine
secretion in relation to the composition glands.
of blood plasma and urine formed. • Differences between Endocrine and
(iii)Nervous system: Structure of Neuron; central, Exocrine glands.
autonomous and peripheral nervous system • Exact location and shape of the
(in brief); brain and spinal cord; reflex action endocrine glands in the human body.
and how it differs from voluntary action.
• Hormones secreted by the following
Sense organs – Eye: Structure, functions, glands: Pancreas: insulin and glucagon;
defects and corrective measures: Ear: Parts
Thyroid: only thyroxin; Adrenal gland:
and functions of the ear. Cortical hormones and adrenaline;
• Parts of a neuron. Pituitary: growth hormone, tropic
• Various parts of the external structure of hormones, ADH and oxytocin.
the brain and its primary parts: Medulla • Effects of hypo secretion and hyper
Oblongata, Cerebrum, Cerebellum, secretion of hormones.
Thalamus, Hypothalamus and Pons; • A brief idea of Feedback mechanism with
their functions. reference to TSH.
• Reference to the distribution of white and (v) The Reproductive System: Organs,
gray matter in Brain and Spinal cord. fertilisation functions of placenta in the
• Voluntary and involuntary actions – growth of the embryo Menstrual cycle.
meaning with examples. • Functions of Male and Female
• Diagrammatic explanation of the reflex reproductive organs and male accessory
arc, showing the pathway from receptor glands. An idea of secondary sexual
to effector. characters.
• A brief idea of the peripheral and • Structure and functions of the various
autonomic nervous system in regulating parts of the sperm and egg.
body activities. • Explanation of the terms: Fertilization,
• Differences between natural and implantation, placenta, gestation and
acquired reflex. parturition.
• External and Internal structure and • A brief idea of the role of placenta in
functions of the Eye and Ear and their nutrition, respiration and excretion of the
various parts. embryo; its endocrinal function.
• A brief idea of stereoscopic vision, • Functions of Foetal membranes and
adaptation and accommodation of eye. amniotic fluid.
• Defects of the eye (myopia, hyperopia • Menstrual cycle outline of menstrual
hypermetropia, presbyopia, astigmatism cycle.
and cataract) and corrective measures • Role of Sex hormones: Testosterone,
(diagrams included for myopia and Oestrogen and Progesterone in
hyperopia only) reproduction.
• The course of perception of sound in • Identical and fraternal twins: meaning
human ear. and differences only.
• Role of ear in maintaining balance of the
body.

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4. Population 6. Pollution
Population explosion in India; need for adopting (i) Types and sources of pollution; major
control measures - population control. pollutants.
• Main reasons for the sharp rise in human • Air: Vehicular, industrial, burning
garbage, brick kilns.
population in India and in the world.
• Water: Household detergents,
• A brief explanation of the terms: sewage, industrial waste, oil spills.
demography, population density, birth rate,
• Thermal pollution.
death rate and growth rate of population.
• Soil: Industrial waste, urban
• Problems faced due to population explosion: commercial and domestic waste,
unemployment, over exploitation of natural chemical fertilizers.
resources, low per capita income, price rise, • Biomedical waste – used and
pollution, unequal distribution of wealth. discarded needles, syringes, soiled
• Methods of population control: Surgical dressings etc.
methods – Tubectomy and vasectomy. • Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout
from nuclear plants.
5. Human Evolution • Noise: Motor Vehicles, Industrial
Basic introduction to Human evolution and establishments, Construction Sites,
Theories of evolution: Lamarck’s theory of Loudspeakers etc.
inheritance; Darwin’s theory of evolution by (ii) Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable
natural selection. wastes
• A brief idea of human ancestors – Biodegradable wastes: meaning and
Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo example; paper, vegetable peels, etc.
erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon and Non-biodegradable wastes: meaning and
Homo sapiens sapiens (Modern Man) with example; plastics, glass, Styrofoam etc.
reference to the following characteristics: Pesticides like DDT etc.
(iii)Effects of pollution on climate,
- Bipedalism
environment, human health and other
- Increasing Cranial capacity organisms; control measures.
- Reduction of size of canine teeth • Brief explanation of: Greenhouse effect
and Global warming, Acid rain, Ozone
- Forehead and brow ridges layer depletion.
- Development of chin • Measures to control pollution:
- Reduction in body hair - Use of unleaded petrol / CNG in
automobiles
- Height and Posture
- Switching of engines at traffic signal
• Lamarck’s theory of inheritance of acquired lights
characteristics – with reference to use of - Social forestry
organs (e.g.: neck and forelimbs of giraffe) - Setting of sewage treatment plants
and disuse of organs (e.g.: vestigial organs - Ban on polythene and plastics
in humans like wisdom teeth, vermiform - Organic farming
appendix, pinnae). - Euro Bharat vehicular standard.
(A brief idea of the above measures)
• Darwin’s theory of Natural selection:
Survival of the fittest - e.g. adaptation of • A brief mention of “Swachh Bharat
peppered moth. Abhiyan”- A national campaign for
Clean India.

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF (ii) The identification of different types of blood cells
under a microscope.
PRACTICAL WORK (iii) Identification of the internal structure of the Ear
The practical work is designed to test the ability of and Eye (Through models and charts).
the candidates to make an accurate observation from
(iv) Identification and location of selected endocrine
specimens of plants and animals. glands: Adrenal, Pancreas, Thyroid and Pituitary
glands with the help of a model or chart.
PLANT LIFE
(i) Observation of permanent slides of stages of EVALUATION
mitosis.
(ii) Experiments demonstrating: The practical work/project work are to be evaluated
by the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
• Diffusion: using potassium permanganate in
(The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated
water.
by the Head of the school, who could be from the
• Osmosis: Thistle Funnel experiment and faculty, but not teaching the subject in the relevant
potato osmoscope. section/class. For example, a teacher of Biology of
• Absorption: using a small herbaceous plant. Class VIII may be deputed to be an External
(iii) Experiments on Transpiration: Examiner for Class X, Biology projects.)
• demonstration of the process using a Bell Jar. The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner
• demonstration of unequal transpiration in a will assess the practical work/project work
dorsiventral leaf using cobalt chloride paper. independently.
• demonstration of uptake of water and the rate Award of marks (20 Marks)
of transpiration using Ganong’s potometer.
(iv) Experiments on Photosynthesis: Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks

• to show the necessity of light, carbon dioxide External Examiner 10 marks
and chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
• to show the release of O 2 during CISCE by the Head of the school.
photosynthesis using hydrilla / elodea.
The Head of the school will be responsible for the
ANIMAL LIFE online entry of marks on CISCE’s CAREERS portal
by the due date.
(i) Identification of the structures of the urinary
system, heart and kidney (internal structure) and
brain (external view) through models and charts

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SCIENCE - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES
Criteria Preparation Procedure/ Testing Observation Inference/ Results Presentation

Grade I Follows instructions (written, Analyses problem Records Processes data without Presentation is accurate
(4 marks) oral, diagrammatic) with systematically. data/observations format. Recognises and and good. Appropriate
understanding; modifies if Recognises a number of without being given a comments upon sources of techniques are well
needed. Familiarity with and variables and attempts to format. Comments error. used.
safe use of apparatus, materials, control them to build a upon, recognises use Can deal with unexpected
techniques. logical plan of of instruments, degree results, suggesting
investigation. of accuracy. modifications.
Recording is
systematic.
Grade II Follows instructions to perform Specifies sequence of Makes relevant Processes data appropriately Presentation is
(3 marks) experiment with step-by-step operation; gives reasons observations. No as per a given format. Draws adequate. Appropriate
operations. Awareness of for any change in assistance is needed qualitative conclusions techniques are used.
safety. Familiarity with procedure. Can deal with for recording format consistent with required
apparatus, materials and two variables, controlling that is appropriate. results.
techniques. one.
Grade III Follows instructions to perform Develops simple Detailed instructions Processes data approximately Presentation is
(2 marks) a single operation at a time. experimental strategy. needed to record with a detailed format reasonable, but
Safety awareness. Familiarity Trial and error observations. Format provided. Draws disorganised in some
with apparatus & materials. modifications made to required to record observations qualitative places. Overwriting;
proceed with the results. conclusions as required. rough work is untidy.
experiment.
Grade IV Follows some instructions to Struggles through the Format required to Even when detailed format is Presentation is poor and
(1 mark) perform a single practical experiment. Follows very record observations/ provided, struggles or makes disorganised but
operation. Casual about safety. obvious experimental readings but tends to errors while processing data. follows an acceptable
Manages to use apparatus & strategy. make mistakes in Reaches conclusions with sequence. Rough work
materials. recording. help. missing or untidy.
Grade V Not able to follow instructions Cannot proceed with the Even when format is Cannot process results, nor Presentation
(0 marks) or proceed with practical work experiment without help given, recording is draw conclusions, even with unacceptable;
without full assistance. from time to time. faulty or irrelevant. considerable help. disorganised, untidy/
Unaware of safety. poor. Rough work
missing.

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