ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2027 Physics

ICSE YEAR 2027

INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION
EXAMINATION

SCIENCE (52)
PHYSICS

February 2025
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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.

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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 electrical energy, nuclear energy, sound
carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of energy, light energy).
practical work carrying 20 marks.
Mechanical energy: potential energy U = mgh
Note: Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to (derivation included) gravitational PE,
be used while teaching and learning, as well as for examples; kinetic energy K= ½ mv2
answering questions. (derivation included); forms of kinetic energy:
translational, rotational and vibrational -
1. Force, Work, Power and Energy only simple examples. [Numerical problems
on K and U only in case of translational
(i) Turning forces concept; moment of a force; motion]; qualitative discussions of electrical,
forces in equilibrium; centre of gravity; chemical, heat, nuclear, light and sound
[discussions using simple examples and energy, conversion from one form to another;
simple numerical problems]. common examples.
Elementary introduction of translational and (v) Machines as force multipliers; load, effort,
rotational motions; moment (turning effect) of mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and
a force, also called torque and its cgs and SI efficiency; simple treatment of levers, pulley
units; common examples - door, steering systems showing the utility of each type of
wheel, bicycle pedal, etc.; clockwise and anti- machine.
clockwise moments; conditions for a body to
be in equilibrium ( translational and Functions and uses of simple machines:
rotational); principle of moment and its Terms- effort E, load L, mechanical
verification using a metre rule suspended by advantage MA = L/E, velocity ratio
two spring balances with slotted weights VR = V E /V L = d E / d L , input (W i ), output (W o ),
hanging from it; simple numerical problems; efficiency (η), relation between η and MA, VR
Centre of gravity (qualitative only) with (derivation included); for all practical
examples of some regular bodies and machines η <1; MA < VR.
irregular lamina. Lever: principle. First, second and third class
(ii) Uniform circular motion. of levers; examples: MA and VR in each case.
Examples of each of these classes of levers as
As an example of constant speed, though also found in the human body.
acceleration (force) is present. Differences
between centrifugal and centripetal force. Pulley system: single fixed, single movable,
block and tackle; MA, VR and η in each
(iii) Work, energy, power and their relation with case.
force.
(vi) Principle of Conservation of energy.
Definition of work. W = FS cosθ; special
Statement of the principle of conservation of
cases of θ = 00, 900. W= mgh. Definition of
energy; theoretical verification that U + K =
energy, energy as work done. Various units of
constant for a freely falling body. Application
work and energy and their relation with SI
of this law to simple pendulum (qualitative
units. [erg, calorie, kW h and eV]. Definition
only); [simple numerical problems].
of Power, P=W/t; SI and cgs units; other
units, kilowatt (kW), megawatt (MW) and
gigawatt (GW); and horsepower (1hp=746W)
[Simple numerical problems on work, power
and energy].
(iv) Different types of energy (e.g., chemical
energy, Mechanical energy, heat energy,

ICSE Examination Year 2027 6

2. Light curvature, radii of curvature, principal axis,
foci, focal plane and focal length; detailed
(i) Refraction of light through a glass block and a
study of refraction of light in spherical lenses
triangular prism - qualitative treatment of
through ray diagrams; formation of images -
simple applications such as real and apparent
principal rays or construction rays; location
depth of objects in water and apparent bending
of images from ray diagram for various
of sticks in water. Applications of refraction
positions of a small linear object on the
of light.
principal axis; characteristics of images. Sign
Partial reflection and refraction due to convention and direct numerical problems
change in medium. Laws of refraction; the using the lens formula are included
effect on speed (V), wavelength (λ) and (derivation of formula not required).
frequency (f) due to refraction of light;
Scale drawing or graphical representation of
conditions for a light ray to pass undeviated.
ray diagrams not required.
Values of speed of light (c) in vacuum, air,
water and glass; refractive index µ = c/V, V = Power of a lens (concave and convex) –
fλ. Values of µ for common substances such [simple direct numerical problems]:
as water, glass and diamond; experimental magnifying glass or simple microscope:
verification; refraction through glass block; location of image and magnification from ray
lateral displacement; multiple images in thick diagram only [formula and numerical
glass plate/mirror; refraction through a glass problems not included]. Applications of
prism, simple applications: real and apparent lenses.
depth of objects in water; apparent bending of (iv) Using a triangular prism to produce a visible
a stick under water. (Simple numerical spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic
problems and approximate ray diagrams spectrum. Scattering of light.
required).
Deviation produced by a triangular prism;
(ii) Total internal reflection: Critical angle; dependence on colour (wavelength) of light;
examples in triangular glass prisms; dispersion and spectrum; electromagnetic
comparison with reflection from a plane spectrum: broad classification (names only
mirror (qualitative only). Applications of total arranged in order of increasing wavelength);
internal reflection. properties common to all electromagnetic
Transmission of light from a denser medium radiations; properties and uses of infrared
(glass/water) to a rarer medium (air) at and ultraviolet radiation. Simple application
different angles of incidence; critical angle of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the
(C) µ = 1/sin C. Essential conditions for total sky.
internal reflection. Total internal reflection in 3. Sound
a triangular glass prism; ray diagram,
different cases - angles of prism (60º,60º,60º), (i) Reflection of Sound Waves; echoes: their use;
(60º,30º,90º), (45º,45º,90º); use of right angle simple numerical problems on echoes.
prism to obtain δ = 90º and 180º (ray Production of echoes, condition for formation
diagram); comparison of total internal of echoes; simple numerical problems; use of
reflection from a prism and reflection from a echoes by bats, dolphins, fishermen, medical
plane mirror. field. SONAR.
(iii) Lenses (converging and diverging) including (ii) Natural vibrations, Damped vibrations,
characteristics of the images formed (using Forced vibrations and Resonance - a special
ray diagrams only); magnifying glass; case of forced vibrations.
location of images using ray diagrams and
thereby determining magnification. Meaning and simple applications of natural,
damped, forced vibrations and resonance.
Types of lenses (converging and diverging),
convex and concave, action of a lens as a set
of prisms; technical terms; centre of
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(iii) Loudness, pitch and quality of sound: (iv) Magnetic effect of a current (principles only,
Characteristics of sound: loudness and laws not required); electromagnetic induction
intensity; subjective and objective nature of (elementary); transformer.
these properties; sound level in decibel(dB) Oersted’s experiment on the magnetic effect of
(as unit only); noise pollution; electric current; magnetic field (B) and field
interdependence of: pitch and frequency; lines due to current in a straight wire
quality and waveforms (with examples). (qualitative only), right hand thumb rule –
4. Electricity and Magnetism magnetic field due to a current in a loop;
Electromagnets: their uses; comparisons with
(i) Ohm’s Law; concepts of emf, potential a permanent magnet; Fleming’s Left Hand
difference, resistance; resistances in series and
Rule, the DC electric motor- simple sketch of
parallel, internal resistance.
main parts (coil, magnet, split ring
Concepts of pd (V), current (I), resistance (R) commutators and brushes); brief description
and charge (Q). Ohm's law: statement, V=IR; and type of energy transfer(working not
SI units; experimental verification; graph of V required): Simple introduction to
vs I and resistance from slope; ohmic and electromagnetic induction; frequency of AC in
non-ohmic resistors, factors affecting house hold supplies , Fleming’s Right Hand
resistance (including specific resistance) and Rule, AC Generator - Simple sketch of main
internal resistance; super conductors, parts, brief description and type of energy
electromotive force (emf); combination of
transfer(working not required). Advantage of
resistances in series and parallel and
AC over DC. Transformer- its types,
derivation of expressions for equivalent
resistance. Simple numerical problems using characteristics of primary and secondary
the above relations. [Simple network of coils in each type (simple labelled diagram
resistors]. and its uses).

(ii) Electrical power and energy. 5. Heat

Electrical energy; examples of heater, motor, (i) Calorimetry: meaning, specific heat capacity;
lamp, loudspeaker, etc. Electrical power; principle of method of mixtures; Numerical
measurement of electrical energy, W = QV = Problems on specific heat capacity using heat
VIt from the definition of pd. Combining with loss and gain and the method of mixtures.
ohm’s law W = VIt = I2 Rt = (V2/R)t and Heat and its units (calorie, joule),
electrical power P = (W/t) = VI = I2R = V2/R. temperature and its units (oC,, K); thermal
Units: SI and commercial; Power rating of (heat) capacity C' = Q/T... (SI unit of C'):
common appliances, household consumption Specific heat Capacity C = Q/mT (SI unit of
of electric energy; calculation of total energy C) Mutual relation between Heat Capacity
consumed by electrical appliances; W = Pt and Specific Heat capacity, values of C for
(kilowatt × hour = kW h), [simple numerical some common substances (ice, water and
problems]. copper). Principle of method of mixtures
(iii) Household circuits – main circuit; switches; including mathematical statement. Natural
fuses; earthing; safety precautions; three-pin phenomenon involving specific heat.
plugs; colour coding of wires. Consequences of high specific heat of water.
[Simple numerical problems].
House wiring (ring system), power
distribution; main circuit (3 wires-live, (ii) Latent heat; loss and gain of heat involving
neutral, earth) with fuse / MCB, main switch change of state for fusion only.
and its advantages - circuit diagram; two- Change of phase (state); heating curve for
way switch, staircase wiring, need for water; latent heat; specific latent heat of
earthing, fuse, 3-pin plug and socket; fusion (SI unit). Simple numerical problems.
Conventional location of live, neutral and Common physical phenomena involving latent
earth points in 3 pin plugs and sockets. Safety heat of fusion.
precautions, colour coding of wires.
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6. Modern Physics Derived Unit
(i) Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus; quantity Name Symbol
background radiation and safety precautions. Volume cubic metre m3
Brief introduction (qualitative only) of the Density kilogram per cubic metre kg m-3
nucleus, nuclear structure, atomic number Velocity metre per second m s-1
(Z), mass number (A). Radioactivity as
Acceleration metre per second square m s-2
spontaneous disintegration. α, β and γ - their
nature and properties; changes within the Momentum kilogram metre per kg m s-1
nucleus. One example each of α and β decay second
with equations showing changes in Z and A.
Uses of radioactivity - radio isotopes. Some derived units are given special names due to
Harmful effects. Safety precautions. their complexity when expressed in terms of the
Background radiation. fundamental units, as below:
Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from Derived quantity Unit
nuclear plants and other sources.
Name Symbol
Nuclear Energy: working on safe disposal of
Force newton N
waste. Safety measures to be strictly
reinforced. Pressure pascal Pa
(ii) Nuclear fission and fusion; basic introduction Energy, Work joule J
and equations. Power watt W
A NOTE ON SI UNITS Frequency hertz Hz
SI units (Systeme International d’Unites) were Electric charge coulomb C
adopted internationally in 1968. Electric resistance ohm Ω
Fundamental units Electromotive force volt V
The system has seven fundamental (or basic) units,
When the unit is named after a person, the symbol has
one for each of the fundamental quantities.
a capital letter.
Fundamental quantity Unit
Standard prefixes
Name Symbol
Decimal multiples and submultiples are attached to
Mass kilogram kg units when appropriate, as below:
Length metre m Multiple Prefix Symbol
Time second s 109 giga G
Electric current ampere A 10 6
mega M
10 3
kilo k
Temperature kelvin K
10-1 deci d
Luminous intensity candela cd
10 -2
centi c
Amount of substance mole mol
10 -3
milli m
Derived units 10 -6
micro µ
These are obtained from the fundamental units by 10 -9
nano n
multiplication or division; no numerical factors are 10 -12
pico p
involved. Some derived units with complex names
10 -15
femto f
are:

9

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF 5. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by
using two pins and formula f = uv/(u+v).
PRACTICAL WORK
6. For a triangular prism, trace the course of rays
Candidates will be asked to carry out experiments for passing through it, measure angles i 1 , i 2 , A and
which instructions will be given. The experiments δ.Repeat for four different angles of incidence
may be based on topics that are not included in the (say i 1 =400 , 500, 600 and 700). Verify i 1 + i 2 =A+δ
syllabus but theoretical knowledge will not be and A = r 1 + r 2 .
required. A candidate will be expected to be able to
follow simple instructions, to take suitable readings 7. For a ray of light incident normally (i 1 =0) on one
and to present these readings in a systematic form. face of a prism, trace course of the ray. Measure
He/she may be required to exhibit his/her data the angle δ. Explain briefly. Do this for prisms
graphically. Candidates will be expected to appreciate with A=600, 450 and 900.
and use the concepts of least count, significant figures 8. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the material
and elementary error handling. of the given calorimeter, from the temperature
readings and masses of cold water, warm water
Note: Teachers may design their own set of
and its mixture taken in the calorimeter.
experiments, preferably related to the theory syllabus.
A comprehensive list is suggested below: 9. Determination of specific heat capacity of a metal
by method of mixtures.
1. Lever - There are many possibilities with a meter
rule as a lever with a load (known or unknown) 10. Determination of specific latent heat of ice.
suspended from a point near one end (say left), the 11. Using as simple electric circuit, verify Ohm’s law.
lever itself pivoted on a knife edge, use slotted Draw a graph, and obtain the slope.
weights suspended from the other (right) side for 12. Set up model of household wiring including ring
effort. main circuit. Study the function of switches and
Determine the mass of a metre rule using a spring fuses.
balance or by balancing it on a knife edge at some Teachers may feel free to alter or add to the above list.
point away from the middle and a 50g weight on The students may perform about ten experiments.
the other side. Next pivot (F) the metre rule at the Some experiments may be demonstrated.
40cm, 50cm and 60cm mark, each time
suspending a load L or the left end and effort E EVALUATION
near the right end. Adjust E and or its position so
The practical work/project work are to be evaluated by
that the rule is balanced. Tabulate the position of
the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
L, F and E and the magnitudes of L and E and the
(The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated
distances of load arm and effort arm. Calculate
by the Head of the school, who could be from the
MA=L/E and VR = effort arm/load arm. It will be
faculty, but not teaching the subject in the relevant
found that MA <VR in one case, MA=VR in
section/class. For example, a teacher of Physics of
another and MA>VR in the third case. Try to
Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner
explain why this is so. Also try to calculate the real
for Class X, Physics projects.)
load and real effort in these cases.
The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will
2. Determine the VR and MA of a given pulley assess the practical work/project work independently.
system.
Award of Marks (20 Marks)
3. Trace the course of different rays of light
refracting through a rectangular glass slab at Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
different angles of incidence, measure the angles External Examiner 10 marks
of incidence, refraction and emergence. Also The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
measure the lateral displacement. CISCE by the Head of the school.
4. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by (a) The Head of the school will be responsible for the
the distant object method and (b) using a needle online entry of marks on CISCE’s CAREERS portal
and a plane mirror. by the due date.

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