ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2028 Physics

ICSE
INDIAN CERTIFICATE OF
SECONDARY EDUCATION
EXAMINATION
YEAR 2028

SCIENCE
PHYSICS
(52)

Developed by:
Research, Development and Curriculum Division (RDCD)
CISCE

January 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
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Minimum monitoring.
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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.
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of the educational experience.
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the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.

CLASS X
There will be one paper of two hours duration carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of practical work
carrying 20 marks.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to be used while teaching and learning, as well as for
answering questions.

1. Force, Work, Power and Energy
(i) Turning forces concept; moment of a force; forces in equilibrium; centre of gravity; [discussions using
simple examples and simple numerical problems].
Elementary introduction of translational and rotational motions; moment (turning effect) of a force, also
called torque and its cgs and SI units; common examples - door, steering wheel, bicycle pedal, etc.;
clockwise and anti-clockwise moments; conditions for a body to be in equilibrium (translational);
principle of moment and its verification using two spring balances with slotted weights suspended from
the meter rule; simple numerical problems; Centre of gravity (qualitative only) with examples of some
regular bodies and irregular lamina, factors affecting centre of gravity of the body.
Stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium examples. Static and linear dynamic equilibrium. Principle of
moment and its verification using a metre rule and suspended weights; simple numerical problems.
(ii) Work, energy, power and their relation with force. (Work - energy theorem without derivation.)
Definition of work. W = FS cosθ; special cases of θ = 00, 900. W= mgh. Definition of energy, energy as
work done. Various units of work and energy and their relation with SI units. [erg, calorie, kW h and eV].
Definition 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].
(iii) Principle of Conservation of energy.
Statement of the principle of conservation of energy; theoretical verification that U + K = constant for a
freely falling body. Application of this law to simple pendulum (qualitative only); [simple numerical
problems].
(iv) Different types of energy (e.g., chemical energy, Mechanical energy, heat energy, electrical energy,
nuclear energy, sound energy, light energy).
Mechanical energy: potential energy U = mgh (derivation included) gravitational PE, examples; kinetic
energy K= ½ mv2 (derivation included); forms of kinetic energy: translational, rotational and vibrational
- only simple examples. [Numerical problems on K and U only in case of translational motion]; qualitative
discussions of electrical, chemical, heat, nuclear, light and sound energy, conversion from one form to
another; common examples.
(v) Machines as force multipliers; load, effort, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency; simple
treatment of levers, pulley systems showing the utility of each type of machine.
Functions and uses of simple machines: Terms- effort E, load L, mechanical advantage MA = L/E, velocity
ratio VR = V E /V L = d E / d L , input (W i ), output (W o ), Power output (PO), Power Input(PI),efficiency (η),
relation between η and MA, VR (derivation included); for all practical machines η <1; MA < VR.
Lever: principle. First, second and third class of levers; examples: MA and VR in each case. Examples of
each of these classes of levers as also found in the human body.
Pulley system: single fixed, single movable, block and tackle; MA, VR and η in each case [Simple
numerical problems].

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2. Light
(i) Refraction of light through a glass block and a triangular prism - qualitative treatment of simple
applications such as real and apparent depth of objects in water and apparent bending of sticks in water.
Applications of refraction of light.
Partial reflection and refraction due to change in medium. Laws of refraction; the effect on speed (V),
wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) due to refraction of light; conditions for a light ray to pass undeviated.
Values of speed of light (c) in vacuum, air, water and glass; refractive index µ = c/V, V = fλ. Values of µ
for common substances such as water, glass and diamond; experimental verification; refraction through
glass block; lateral displacement; multiple images in thick glass plane/mirror without its ray diagram;
refraction through a glass prism, simple applications: real and apparent depth of objects in water;
apparent bending of a stick under water. (Simple numerical problems and approximate ray diagrams
required).
(ii) Total internal reflection: Critical angle; examples in triangular glass prisms; comparison with reflection
from a plane mirror (qualitative only). Applications of total internal reflection.
Transmission of light from a denser medium (glass/water) to a rarer medium (air) at different angles of
incidence; critical angle (C) µ = 1/sin C. Essential conditions for total internal reflection. Total internal
reflection in a triangular glass prism; ray diagram, different cases - angles of prism (60º,60º,60º),
(60º,30º,90º), (45º,45º,90º); use of right-angle prism to obtain δ = 90º and 180º (ray diagram);
comparison of total internal reflection from a prism and reflection from a plane mirror.
(iii) Lenses (converging and diverging) including characteristics of the images formed (using ray diagrams
only); magnifying glass; location of images using ray diagrams and thereby determining magnification.
Types of lenses (converging and diverging), convex and concave, action of a lens as a set of prisms;
technical terms; centre of curvature, radii of curvature, principal axis, foci, focal plane and focal length;
methods to find focal length of convex lens detailed study of refraction of light in spherical lenses through
ray diagrams; formation of images - principal rays or construction rays; location of images from ray
diagram for various positions of a small linear object on the principal axis; characteristics of images.
Cartesian Sign convention and direct numerical problems using the lens formula are included (derivation
of formula not required).
Scale drawing or graphical representation of ray diagrams not required.
Power of a lens (concave and convex) – [simple direct numerical problems]: magnifying glass or simple
microscope: location of image and magnification from ray diagram only [magnifying power formula
𝐷𝐷
�𝑀𝑀 = 1 + � and numerical based on this formula are not included]. Applications of lenses.
𝑓𝑓

(iv) Using a triangular prism to produce a visible spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic spectrum.
Scattering of light.
Deviation produced by a triangular prism; dependence on colour (wavelength) of light; dispersion and
spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum: broad classification (names only arranged in order of increasing
wavelength); properties common to all electromagnetic radiations; properties and uses of infrared and
ultraviolet radiation. Simple application of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the sky.

3. Sound
(i) Reflection of Sound Waves; echoes: their use; simple numerical problems on echoes.
Production of echoes, condition for formation of echoes; simple numerical problems; use of echoes by
bats, dolphins, fishermen, medical field. SONAR.

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(ii) Natural vibrations, Damped vibrations, Forced vibrations and Resonance - a special case of forced
vibrations.
Meaning and simple applications of natural, damped, forced vibrations and resonance. Applications of
resonance.
(iii) Loudness, pitch and quality of sound.
Characteristics of sound: loudness and intensity; subjective and objective nature of all characteristics;
sound level in decibel(dB) (as unit only); interdependence of: pitch and frequency, quality and waveforms
(with examples).

4. Electricity and Magnetism
(i) Ohm’s Law; concepts of emf, potential difference (pd), resistance; resistances in series and parallel,
internal resistance.
Concepts of pd (V), current (I), resistance (R) and charge (Q). Ohm's law: statement, V=IR; SI units;
experimental verification; graph of V vs I and resistance from slope; ohmic and non-ohmic resistors,
factors affecting resistance (including specific resistance) and internal resistance; super conductors,
electromotive force (emf); combination of resistances in series and parallel and derivation of expressions
for equivalent resistance. Simple numerical problems using the above relations. [Simple network of
resistors].
(ii) Electrical power and energy.
Electrical energy; examples of heater, motor, lamp, loudspeaker, etc. Electrical power; measurement of
electrical energy, W = QV = VIt from the definition of pd. Combining with ohm’s law W = VIt = I2 Rt =
(V2/R)t and electrical power P = (W/t) = VI = I2R = V2/R. Units: SI and commercial; Power rating of
common appliances, household consumption of electric energy; calculation of total energy consumed by
electrical appliances; W = Pt (kilowatt × hour = kW h), [simple numerical problems].
(iii) Stages of power distribution – main circuit; switches; fuses; earthing; safety precautions; three-pin plugs;
colour coding of wires-live, neutral and earth wires.
Only stages of power distribution and corresponding voltages for heavy industries, light industries and
domestic, frequency of AC in household supplies, meaning of Live, neutral and earth wire, their colour
coding; Need for supplying power at high voltage; House wiring (ring system); main circuit with live,
neutral and earth wires, kWh meter. Main distribution board, main fuse, main switch, MCB, switches.
Connection of appliances in parallel combination and its advantages - circuit diagram, advantages of
ring system; two-way switches, staircase wiring, need for earthing, fuse, 3-pin plug and socket;
Conventional location of live, neutral and earth points in 3 pin plugs and sockets. Safety precautions.
(iv) Magnetic effect of a current (principles only, laws not required); electromagnetic induction (elementary);
transformer.
Oersted’s experiment on the magnetic effect of electric current; magnetic field (B) and field lines due to
current in a straight wire (qualitative only), right hand thumb rule – magnetic field due to a current in a
loop; Electromagnets: their uses; comparisons with a permanent magnet; Fleming’s Left Hand Rule,
Working principle of transformer- Simple introduction to electromagnetic induction; frequency of AC in
house hold supplies, Fleming’s Right Hand Rule.

5. Heat
(i) Calorimetry: Meaning, specific heat capacity; principle of method of mixtures; Numerical Problems on
specific heat capacity using heat loss and gain and the method of mixtures.
Heat and its units (calorie, joule), temperature and its units (oC,, K);factors affecting heat absorbed and
released, thermal (heat) capacity C' = Q/T (SI unit of C'): Specific heat Capacity C = Q/mT (SI unit
of C) Mutual relation between Heat Capacity and Specific Heat capacity, values of C for some common
substances (ice, water and copper). Principle of method of mixtures including mathematical statement.

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Natural phenomenon involving specific heat. Consequences of high specific heat of water. [Simple
numerical problems].
(ii) Latent heat; loss and gain of heat involving change of state for fusion only, vaporization.
Change of phase (state); heating curve for water; latent heat; specific latent heat of fusion (SI unit).
Simple numerical problems. Common physical phenomena involving latent heat of fusion. Heating and
cooling curve. [No numerical involving latent heat of vaporization.]
6. Modern Physics
(i) Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus; background radiation and safety precautions.
Brief introduction (qualitative only) of the nucleus, nuclear structure, atomic number (Z), mass number
(A). Radioactivity as spontaneous disintegration. α, β and γ - their nature and comparative properties;
changes within the nucleus. One example each of α and β decay with equations showing changes in Z
and A.
Uses of radioactivity-radio isotopes: Alpha emitters (Americium-241 smoke detector, Radium-223
treatment of cancer, Polonium-210 to remove static charges etc), beta emitters (Strontium-90 in
controlling the thickness of the paper, Carbon-14 in carbon dating), gamma emitters (Cobalt-60 in tracers
for irradiation, sterilisation and cancer treatment, Sodium-22 as tracer, Technetium-99m diagnostic
imaging, Iodine-131 in treatment of thyroid cancer).
Harmful effects of radio isotopes: Strontium-90 causing eye and bone cancer.
Background radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from nuclear plants and other sources.
Nuclear Energy: working on safe disposal of waste. Safety measures to be strictly reinforced.
(ii) Nuclear fission and fusion (Only definitions of the reactions and differences between them.)

A NOTE ON SI UNITS
SI units (Systeme International d’Unites) were adopted internationally in 1968.
Fundamental units
The system has seven fundamental (or basic) units, one for each of the fundamental quantities.
Unit
Fundamental quantity
Name Symbol
Mass kilogram kg
Length metre m
Time second s
Electric current ampere A
Temperature kelvin K
Luminous intensity candela cd
Amount of substance mole mol

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Derived units
These are obtained from the fundamental units by multiplication or division; no numerical factors are involved.
Some derived units with complex names are:
Derived quantity Unit
Name Symbol
Volume cubic metre m 3

Density kilogram per cubic metre kg m-3
Velocity metre per second m s-1
Acceleration metre per second square m s-2

Momentum kilogram metre per second kg m s-1

Some derived units are given special names due to their complexity when expressed in terms of the fundamental
units, as below:
Derived quantity Unit
Name Symbol
Force newton N
Pressure pascal Pa
Energy, Work joule J
Power watt W
Frequency hertz Hz
Electric charge coulomb C
Electric resistance ohm Ω
Electromotive force volt V

When the unit is named after a person, the symbol has a capital letter.
Standard prefixes
Decimal multiples and submultiples are attached to units when appropriate, as below:
Multiple Prefix Symbol
109 giga G
10 6
mega M
10 3
kilo k
10-1 deci d
10 -2
centi c
10 -3
milli m
10 -6
micro µ
10 -9
nano n
10-12
pico p
10-15
femto f

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

Teachers may feel free to alter or add to the above list. The students may perform about ten experiments. Some
experiments may be demonstrated.

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EVALUATION
The practical work/project work are to be evaluated by the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
(The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the school, who could be from the faculty,
but not teaching the subject in the relevant section/class. For example, a teacher of Physics of Class VIII may
be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X, Physics projects.)
The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will assess the practical work/project work independently.
Award of Marks (20 Marks)
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
External Examiner 10 marks
The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to 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.

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