ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2027 Second Languages

ICSE YEAR 2027

INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION
EXAMINATION

SECOND LANGUAGES
Bifurcation of Prescribed Texts in selected
Indian Languages

February 2025
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

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.

SECOND LANGUAGE

Aims:
1. To appreciate the language as an effective means 3. To develop an interest in the language.
of communication. 4. To understand the language when spoken at
2. To acquire knowledge of the elements of the normal conversational speed.
language. 5. To understand the basic structural patterns of the
language, vocabulary and constructions.

INDIAN LANGUAGES
Classes IX and X
Papers will be set in the following languages: address, introduction, conclusion, etc., will form
part of the assessment.
Ao-Naga, Assamese, Bengali, Dzongkha, Garo, 3. Comprehension: An unseen passage of about
Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, 250 words will be given in the language.
Kokborok, Lepcha, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Questions on the passage will be set for answers
Mizo, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, in the language, designed to test the candidates'
Tangkhul, Telugu, Urdu, Bhutia or any other language understanding of the content of the passage.
of an Indian community approved by CISCE.
4. Grammar: This will consist of tests in the use of
There will be one paper of three hours duration
language vocabulary, syntax and idioms, synthesis
carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of
20 marks. in sentence construction, formation of sentences in
the language correctly embodying given words or
The paper will be divided into two sections, Section A
forms. The question will not require any
and Section B.
knowledge of grammatical terms.
Section A: Language (40 Marks)
Section B: Prescribed Texts (40 Marks) SECTION B: PRESCRIBED TEXTS - 40 Marks
Candidates will be required to answer four questions
SECTION A: LANGUAGE - 40 Marks
from ONLY two of the prescribed textbooks. All
This Section will be compulsory. questions will be set in the language and candidates
1. Composition: Candidates will be required to write will be required to answer in the language. The
one composition, in the language, which may questions set will be designed to test the candidates’
include short explanations, directions, understanding of the subject matter of the prescribed
descriptions or narratives. There will be a choice books.
of subjects, which will be varied and may be
suggested by language or other stimuli such as The study of the prescribed texts has been bifurcated
pictures and objects. for the following selected Indian languages for the
Examination Year 2027:
2. Letter: Candidates will be required to write a
Hindi, Malayalam, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Assamese,
letter from a choice of two subjects. Suggestions
Bengali (Bangla), Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Nepali,
may be given. The layout of the letter with
Odia, Urdu and Bhutia.

ICSE Examination Year 2027 1

Note: For list of Prescribed Textbooks, see Appendix - (i) a piece of recorded music;
I.
(ii) a recorded series of sounds;
The ICSE (Class X) Examination paper will be set (iii) a picture/photograph;
ONLY on the portion of the syllabus that is
prescribed for Class X. (iv) an opening sentence or phrase;
(v) a newspaper/magazine clipping or report;
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT One piece of factual writing which should be
Language and Literature: informative or argumentative; one piece of expressive
writing which is descriptive and imaginative;
Class IX: Two or three assignments of reasonable preparation of film/book review.
length/duration of which two should be written
assignments – one from the language and one from the Literature (Prescribed Texts):
literature component of the syllabus. Classes IX and X
Class X: Two or three assignments of reasonable Assignments should be based on the prescribed
length/duration of which two should be written textbooks on the following lines:
assignments – one from the language and one from the
literature component of the syllabus. (i) Character/thematic analysis.
(ii) Socio-economic, cultural, historical relevance /
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENTS background.
Language: (iii) Summary / paraphrase.
Class IX: Creative Writing: Students are to write
short compositions (approximately 300 to 400 words EVALUATION
each), the stimuli being:
The assignments/project work are to be evaluated by
(i) a piece of recorded music;
the subject teacher and by an External Examiner. (The
(ii) a recorded series of sounds; External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the
(iii) a picture/photograph; Head of the school, who could be from the faculty, but
(iv) an opening sentence or phrase; not teaching the subject in the section/class. For
example, a teacher of the language of Class VIII may
(v) a newspaper/magazine clipping or report;
be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X
One piece of factual writing which should be projects in the language.)
informative or argumentative; one piece of expressive
The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will
writing which is descriptive and imaginative;
assess the assignments independently.
preparation of film/book review.
Award of Marks (20 Marks)
Aural: Listening to a conversation/talk/reading of a
short passage and then writing down the relevant or Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
main points in the specified number of words and
External Examiner 10 marks
answering the given questions.
The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
Class X: Oral: Prepared speech/ declamation;
CISCE by the Head of the school.
impromptu speech/ debate/ discussion;
report/interview; elocution; role-play/general The Head of the school will be responsible for the
conversation on selected topics. online entry of marks on the CISCE’s CAREERS
portal by the due date.
Creative Writing: Students are to write
short compositions (approximately 300 to 400 words
each), the stimuli being:

ICSE Examination Year 2027 2

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES -CREATIVE WRITING
(CLASSES IX & X)
Grade Content/Analysis of Idea, Expression/ Effective Structure/ Organisation Vocabulary/ Use of Originality/ Marks
Thought/ Feeling. Expression of Idea of Material Words, Phrases Imaginative/
Innovative
I The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is very well The use of vocabulary The work is 4
feelings and experiences the ideas, thoughts and structured with a sense of exhibits a high level of imaginative,
effectively. feelings effectively. introduction, body, middle competence in handling interesting and
Reasoning is logical and and conclusion, language. engrossing.
effective. paragraphing and
appropriate sentence
construction.
II The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is very well The vocabulary exhibits The candidate's 3
feelings and experiences with the ideas, thoughts and structured with some sense competence of word work is quite
well-defined explanations, feelings well and with of conclusion and of usage; correctness of interesting and
reasoning is logical and clarity. paragraph lengths. grammar and spelling. engrossing.
persuasive.
III The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is fairly well The candidate uses The candidate 2
feelings and experiences with a the ideas, thoughts and structured; straightforward demonstrates the
fair degree of detail and feelings fairly well and candidate follows simple vocabulary and fairly ability to sustain the
explanation. Reasoning is fairly with a fair degree of paragraphing. good pattern of interest of the
logical and persuasive. clarity. spellings. reader.
IV The candidate attempts to analyze The candidate expresses The work shows some The candidate's The candidate is, to 1
ideas, feelings and experiences the ideas, thoughts and understanding of vocabulary is limited some extent, able to
with simple explanation and feelings intelligibly and paragraphing and structure. and the spelling, sustain the interest
detail. Reasoning and arguments in simple language. punctuation and of the reader.
are not very convincing. grammar is sometimes
poor.
V The candidate attempts a basic The candidate is unable The candidate does not There is consistent The candidate is 0
analysis of ideas, feelings and to expresses the ideas, display an understanding of weakness in spelling, unable to sustain
experiences with few simple thoughts and feelings, structure and paragraphing. punctuation and the interest of the
explanations and few details. Is uses simple language grammar. reader.
unable to present proper and the work is not very
arguments. intelligible.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
3

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES- ORAL ASSIGNMENT
(CLASS X)
Grade Fluency of Language Subject Matter Organization Vocabulary/ Understanding Gesture Marks
Delivery
I Speaks with fluency and Matter is relevant, Content is well Uses appropriate While speaking, the Uses natural and 3
has full operational rich in content and sequenced and well vocabulary and candidate emphasizes spontaneous
command over the original. organized. pronounces words the important points. gestures that are
language. correctly. not out of place.

II The candidate speaks The subject matter The content is The candidate While speaking the Uses some natural 2
with fairly good fluency is mostly relevant, satisfactorily pronounces most candidate emphasizes gestures.
and has reasonable consisting of a sequenced and well words correctly and most important points.
operational command of few original ideas. organized. uses simple
the language. vocabulary.

III The candidate speaks The subject matter The subject content is The candidate While speaking, the Uses very few 1
with poor fluency and is irrelevant and very poor and lacks pronounces many candidate emphasizes natural gestures.
does not communicate lacks originality. organisational words incorrectly and some important
except for the most basic structure. uses inappropriate points.
information. vocabulary.

IV The candidate cannot The subject matter The subject content The candidate is While speaking, the Uses no natural 0
communicate even the is negligible. comprises of mere unable to correctly candidate is unable to gestures.
most basic information. words with no pronounce most words emphasize important
structured sentences. and has a limited points.
vocabulary.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
5

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES (LITERATURE - PRESCRIBED TEXTS) - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING
WITH GRADES (CLASSES IX & X)
Grade Understanding of Text Examples from Text Understanding of Appreciation of Language, Critical Appreciation Marks
(Narrative) text- Interpretation Characterization -Personal Response
and Evaluation
I The candidate demonstrates The account is suitably The candidate The candidate appreciates and The candidate is able 4
expertise in giving an supported by relevant understands the text evaluates significant ways to effectively reflect
appropriate account of the examples from the text. with due emphasis on (structure, character, imagery) personal response
text, with well-chosen interpretation and in which writers have (critical appreciation)
reference to narrative and evaluation. achieved their effects. to the text.
situation.

II The candidate demonstrates a The account is The candidate The candidate appreciates and The candidate is able 3
high level of competence in supported by examples understands the text evaluates significant ways in to reflect a personal
giving an account of the text, from the text. with some emphasis on which writers have achieved response to the text.
with appropriate references to interpretation and their effects.
the narrative and situation. evaluation.

III The candidate demonstrates The candidate The candidate The candidate recognizes The candidate is able 2
competence in giving an understands the text recognizes some some of the significant ways in to communicate a
account of the text with some and shows a basic aspects of the text used which the writers have used personal response
reference to the narrative and recognition of the by authors to present the language. which shows
situation. theme and can support ideas. appreciation.
it by a very few
examples.

IV The candidate gives broad The candidate The candidate relates The candidate recognizes The candidate 1
account of the text with understands the basic the text to other texts differences in the way authors communicates straight
reference to the narrative and meaning of the text. studied. write. forward personal
situation. response to the text.

V The candidate is unable to The candidate is unable The candidate is unable The candidate is unable to The candidate is 0
demonstrate an understanding to understand the text or to relate to the other text recognize the differences in unable to give a
of the basic events in the text. support it with any studied. the way authors write. personal view of the
examples. text studied.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
6

SANSKRIT

Second Language
(Under Group I)
Candidates offering Sanskrit as a Group II subject may not opt for Sanskrit as a Group I subject.

CLASSES IX AND X

There will be one paper of three hours duration language correctly embodying given words or
carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of forms.
20 marks.
I ¼d½ Loj vkSj O;atu dk lkekU; Kku vkSj mudk
The paper will be divided into two sections, Section A mPpkj.k&LFkkuA
and Section B.
¼[k½ lfU/k %
Section A: Language (40 Marks)
(i) Loj&lfU/k
Section B: Prescribed Texts (40 Marks) (ii) gy&lfU/k
SECTION A: LANGUAGE - 40 Marks (iii) folxZ&lfU/k
¼x½ ’kCn :i %
This Section will be compulsory.
(i) iqfYyax&jke] gfj] xq:] fir``] xks] Hkor~] fo}l~]
1. Composition: Candidates will be required to
write, in the language, one short composition jktu~] dfju~A
which may include short explanations, directions, (ii) L=hfyax&jek] unh] /ksuq] o/kw] okp~] lfjr~~ ekr`A
descriptions or narratives. There will be a choice
of subjects which will be varied and may be (iii) uiqlad fyax&x`g] okfj] nf/k] e/kq] txr~]
suggested by language or other stimuli such as ukeu~] eul~A
pictures or objects.
(iv) loZuke&loZ] rn~] ;n~] fde~] ;q"en~] vLen~A
2. Letter: Candidates will be required to write a
(v) ,d ls nl rd la[;kokpd ’kCn lHkh fyaxksa
letter from a choice of two subjects. Suggestions
may be given. The layout of the letter with esaA
address, introduction, conclusion, etc., will form ¼?k½ /kkrq :i %
part of the assessment.
(i) fu/kkZfjr ydkj&yV~ y`V] y³~] yksV~ ,oa
3. Comprehension: An unseen passage will be fof/kfyaxA
given in Sanskrit. Questions in the language will
(ii) bu ydkjksa esa uhps fy[kh /kkrqvksa ds ijLeSin]
be set for answers in the language, designed to test
the candidates’ understanding of the content of the vkReusin ,oa mHk;in ds :iA
passage. (iii) ijLeSin&Hkw] iB~] ik] xe~] gl~] LFkk] ft] u’k~]
vl~] th] ’kd~] b"k~] izPNA
4. Grammar: In addition to the grammar topics (iv) vkReusin&yHk~] o`/k~] tu~] ;kp~] lso~A
listed below, questions will also be set from the
grammar topics covered in the prescribed text (v) mHk;in&uh] n~k] xzg] Kk] d`A
books. These will include tests in vocabulary, ¼M½ dkjdksa dk lekU; KkuA
syntax and idiom, synthesis in sentence
construction, formation of sentences in the

ICSE Examination Year 2027 7

II ¼d½ lekl&vO;;hHkko] rRiq#"k] deZ/kkj;]}U} ,oa INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20 Marks
cgqozhfgA The teacher shall set and mark specific work assigned
¼[k½ dkjd rFkk miin foHkfä;k¡ to candidates over the two years.

¼x½ izR;; EVALUATION
(i) d`nUr&d~Rok] rqequ] Dr ¼ä½] rO;r~] vuh;j] The assignments/project work are to be evaluated by
äorqA the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
(ii) rf)r&erqi] bd] Ro] ry~A (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated
(iii) L=h izR;; &Vki~] Mhi~A by the Head of the school, who could be from the
faculty, but not teaching the subject in the
SECTION B: PRESCRIBED TEXTS - 40 Marks section/class. For example, a teacher of Sanskrit of
Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner
Candidates will be required to answer four questions
for Class X, Sanskrit projects.) The Internal Examiner
from ONLY two of the prescribed textbooks. All
and the External Examiner will assess the assignments
questions will be set in the language and candidates
independently.
will be required to answer in the language. The
questions set will be designed to test the candidates’ Award of Marks (20 Marks)
understanding of the subject matter of the prescribed Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
books.
External Examiner 10 marks
Note: For list of Prescribed Textbooks, see The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
Appendix - I. CISCE by the Head of the school.
The Head of the school will be responsible for the
online entry of marks on CISCE’s CAREERS portal
by the due date.

ICSE Examination Year 2027 8

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SANSKRIT - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - CREATIVE WRITING
Grade Content/Analysis of Idea, Expression/ Effective Structure/ Organisation of Vocabulary/ Use of Originality/ Marks
Thought/ Feeling. Expression of Idea Material Words, Phrases Imaginative/
Innovative
I The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is very well The use of vocabulary The work is 4
feelings and experiences the ideas, thoughts and structured with a sense of exhibits a high level of imaginative,
effectively. feelings effectively. introduction, body, middle competence in handling interesting and
Reasoning is logical and and conclusion, language. engrossing.
effective. paragraphing and
appropriate sentence
construction.
II The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is very well The vocabulary exhibits The candidate's 3
feelings and experiences with the ideas, thoughts and structured with some sense competence of word work is quite
well defined explanations, feelings well and with of conclusion and of usage; correctness of interesting and
reasoning is logical and clarity. paragraph lengths. grammar and spelling. engrossing.
persuasive.
III The candidate analyses the ideas, The candidate expresses The work is fairly well The candidate uses The candidate 2
feelings and experiences with a the ideas, thoughts and structured; straightforward demonstrates the
fair degree of detail and feelings fairly well and Candidate follows simple vocabulary and fairly ability to sustain the
explanation. Reasoning is fairly with a fair degree of paragraphing. good pattern of interest of the
logical and persuasive. clarity. spellings. reader.
IV The candidate attempts to analyze The candidate expresses The work shows some The candidate's The candidate is, to 1
ideas, feelings and experiences the ideas, thoughts and understanding of vocabulary is limited some extent, able to
with simple explanation and feelings intelligibly and paragraphing and structure. and the spelling, sustain the interest
detail. Reasoning and arguments in simple language. punctuation and of the reader.
are not very convincing. grammar is sometimes
poor.
V The candidate attempts a basic The candidate is unable The candidate does not There is consistent The candidate is 0
analysis of ideas, feelings and to expresses the ideas, display an understanding of weakness in spelling, unable to sustain
experiences with few simple thoughts and feelings, structure and paragraphing. punctuation and the interest of the
explanations and few details. Is uses simple language grammar. reader.
unable to present proper and the work is not very
arguments. intelligible.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
9

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SANSKRIT - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - ORAL ASSIGNMENT
Grade Fluency of Language Subject Matter Organization Vocabulary/ Understanding Gesture Marks
Delivery
I Speaks with fluency and Matter is relevant, Content is well Uses appropriate While speaking, the Uses natural and 3
has full operational rich in content and sequenced and well vocabulary and candidate emphasizes spontaneous
command over the original. organized. pronounces words the important points. gestures that are
language. correctly. not out of place.

II The candidate speaks The subject matter The content is The candidate While speaking the Uses some natural 2
with fairly good fluency is mostly relevant, satisfactorily pronounces most candidate emphasizes gestures.
and has reasonable consisting of a sequenced and well words correctly and most important points.
operational command of few original ideas. organized. uses simple
the language. vocabulary.

III The candidate speaks The subject matter The subject content is The candidate While speaking, the Uses very few 1
with poor fluency and is irrelevant and very poor and lacks pronounces many candidate emphasizes natural gestures.
does not communicate lacks originality. organisational words incorrectly and some important
except for the most basic structure. uses inappropriate points.
information. vocabulary.

IV The candidate cannot The subject matter The subject content The candidate is While speaking, the Uses no natural 0
communicate even the is negligible. comprises of mere unable to correctly candidate is unable to gestures.
most basic information. words with no pronounce most words emphasize important
structured sentences. and has a limited points.
vocabulary.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
10

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SANSKRIT - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - AURAL ASSIGNMENT
Grade Understanding/ Recall Vocabulary Context/ Correlation to Other Marks
Comprehension Main Idea, Areas
Central Theme
I The candidate accurately The candidate recalls all the The candidate uses appropriate The candidate clearly 3
understands the central idea of the important points made (written/ and correct vocabulary while understands the context and can
passage as well as the relevant verbal). recalling the points made. widely correlate the passage to
points in the selected passage/ the other areas.
talk.
II The candidate gives ideas fairly The candidate recalls some of the The candidate uses correct but The candidate can moderately 2
close to the central / main idea of important points made (written/ simple vocabulary while understand the context of the
the passage as well as understand verbal). recalling the points made. passage and can moderately
some of the relevant points heard correlate the passage to the other
in the selected passage/ talk. areas.

III The candidate cannot fully The candidate recalls very few of The candidate makes various The candidate can only faintly 1
comprehend the passage and the important points made errors in vocabulary while understand the context of the
gives only a few ideas related to (written/verbal). recalling the points made. passage and relate it to the other
the central theme of the passage. areas.

IV The candidate is neither able to The candidate is unable to recall The candidate uses incorrect The candidate is unable to 0
understand the central/main idea the important points made vocabulary while recalling the understand the context of the
of the passage; nor able to (written/verbal) points made. passage and is unable to correlate
understand relevant points heard the passage to the other areas.
in the passage/talk.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
11

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN SANSKRIT (PRESCRIBED TEXTS) - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES
Grade Understanding of Text Examples from Text Understanding of Appreciation of Language, Critical Appreciation Marks
(Narrative) text- Interpretation Characterization -Personal Response
and Evaluation
I The candidate demonstrates The account is suitably The candidate The candidate appreciates and The candidate is able to 4
expertise in giving an supported by relevant understands the text evaluates significant ways effectively reflect
appropriate account of the examples from the text. with due emphasis on (structure, character, imagery) personal response
text, with well-chosen interpretation and in which writers have (critical appreciation)
reference to narrative and evaluation. achieved their effects. to the text.
situation.

II The candidate demonstrates a The account is The candidate The candidate appreciates and The candidate is able to 3
high level of competence in supported by examples understands the text evaluates significant ways in reflect a personal
giving an account of the text, from the text. with some emphasis on which writers have achieved response to the text.
with appropriate references to interpretation and their effects.
the narrative and situation. evaluation.

III The candidate demonstrates The candidate The candidate The candidate recognizes The candidate is able to 2
competence in giving an understands the text recognizes some some of the significant ways communicate a
account of the text with some and shows a basic aspects of the text used in which the writers have used personal response,
reference to the narrative and recognition of the by authors to present the language. which shows
situation. theme and can support ideas. appreciation.
it by a very few
examples.

IV The candidate gives broad The candidate The candidate relates The candidate recognizes The candidate 1
account of the text with understands the basic the text to other texts differences in the way authors communicates
reference to the narrative and meaning of the text. studied. write. straightforward
situation. personal response to the
text.
V The candidate is unable to The candidate is unable The candidate is unable The candidate is unable to The candidate is unable 0
demonstrate an to understand the text to relate to the other recognize the differences in to give a personal view
understanding of the basic or support it with any text studied. the way authors write. of the text studied.
events in the text. examples.

ICSE Examination Year 2027
12