ICSE Class 10 Art Syllabus 2026-27

Board: CISCE | Examination Year: 2028 | Subject: Art

Exam Structure

PART 1: EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

Paper Options

Paper 1 — Drawing and/or Painting from Still Life

A group of objects which will be artificial or natural and may include such things as:

• Cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, a growing plant

• Domestic or other artificial objects

The group may be drawn or painted. The work can be carried out, if the candidate wishes, in relation to the surroundings or the part of the room in which the group is placed.

Paper 2 — Drawing and/or Painting from Nature

This paper is divided into two separate sections. Candidates may offer either A or B. In both sections, the subject may be interpreted freely, either in a decorative or in a realistic manner.

Alternative A — Study of the Structure of Natural Forms: Study of such natural forms as a spray or branch, which may include flowers, foliage or fruit, fossils, bones, etc. Candidates are expected to reveal their appreciation of natural growth or structure by means of drawing or painting.

Alternative B — Direct Study from Nature: A subject will be set for drawing or painting out of doors. There should be evidence of a direct study from nature.

Paper 3 — Original Imaginative Composition in Colour

• A paper containing a list of alternative subjects will be given to candidates one week before the examination

• The actual composition will be executed in the examination room after a period of not less than 7 days from the distribution of the paper to the candidates

• Sketches or other notes must not be taken into the examination room

• A variety of themes will be set — these may be given in the form of titles indicating the subject, of specified subjects for inclusion in composition, or in any other form that will stimulate the imagination

• Candidates should base their work, if possible, on scenes which they have themselves observed

• Any style or technique including that which is traditional in the candidate's own area may be used

  
  

Paper 4 — Applied Art

Candidates will be required to answer any one question. The object of this paper is to test the ability of candidates in craftwork where the material is restricted to flat paper, ink and/or colour.

Questions will be set requiring the design and execution of:

• (a) The page of a book, book cover, or end paper

• (b) A notice or pictorial poster

• (c) A card such as Christmas card or invitation card, or emblem

• (d) A patterned paper for a specific purpose

Several but not all of these alternative subjects will be set, and candidates will be required to select any one of them. There will be an opportunity to make full use of the calligrapher's art — withdrawn and painted, pen-made or brush-written lettering.

General Notes for All Papers

1. Medium: Any medium may be used provided that it is suitable for the subject. Painted work must be carried out in a quick-drying medium and must be completely dry before it is dispatched. When acrylic paint is used, it must be mixed with water. All paints used must be of adequate quality; if coloured crayons or chalk are used, they must have a range and quality comparable with that of paints and must be carefully fixed at the examination centre before the work is sent to the Examiner.

2. Size and Composition: Candidates must use their judgement with regard to:

• The size of a drawing or painting

• The proportion of height to width within the space available

In all cases credit will be given to good composition.

3. Free Drawing — No Mechanical Means: In each of Papers 1 to 3, the test is of free drawing or painting. Therefore, any mechanical means for the execution of the drawing or painting (such as measuring or ruling) are not allowed.

4. Alternative Groups: Where question papers or printed instructions provide for alternative groups etc., the Supervisor in consultation with an Art Teacher will decide which of these alternatives is to form the subject of the examination, after taking account of local convenience etc. At centres for candidates from more than one school, both alternative subjects in Paper 2 (Plant Drawing) must be provided if required by schools or candidates.

5. Local Conditions: Suitable alternative subjects will be provided for the different areas, so far as this may appear desirable. Account will be taken of different climatic conditions in the selection of flower specimens etc.

6. Paper Size: The paper supplied for use in the examination room will be about 35 cm × 25 cm. Schools or candidates wishing to work on a large scale, not larger than Half-Imperial or Royal (65 cm × 50 cm) or on a different type of tone or paper, will be at liberty to provide their own.

7. Packing: All drawing must be packed flat and not rolled. Half-Imperial and Royal sheets should be folded across the middle when drawings are too large to enclose in the envelopes provided.

8. Examination Number: Candidates must write their names on drawings and paintings on the front (top right-hand corner) and also on the back of their assignments. They must not write anything else on the front of the picture.

Standing Instructions for Supervisors

Papers 1 and 2:

• The group or subject should be arranged so that each candidate obtains an uninterrupted view

• For Papers 1 and 2, candidates should not be more than 4 m from the group

• Candidates may form a semicircle but not a complete circle round the groups

• More than one session may be arranged if there is a large number of candidates

• The examination must be held in good light but care must be taken that sunlight does not fall upon the group or subject while work is in progress

• If the group or subject is painted, the background must be included

• The surface on which the group of objects for Paper 1 and the group for painting only in Paper 2 is arranged must be below the level of the candidate's eye-level

  
  

Paper 2 — Alternative A (Natural Forms):

• It is desirable that each candidate be given a separate specimen and be permitted to handle and arrange them

• If the specimens named in the instruction are not available, supervisors may substitute other specimens as similar as possible

• The name of the specimen used must be stated on the back of the drawing in small block letters

• Sprays must be reasonably large and full and in good condition — displayed in a vase or bottle and clearly visible against a plain background

Paper 2 — Alternative B (Out of Doors): Evidence of direct study in the outdoors must be discernible.

Paper 3 (Imaginative Composition): Copies of the paper are to be given to the candidates at least a week before the paper is taken in the examination room. Candidates should be instructed to bring their copies of the question paper with them at the time fixed for this examination.

Paper 4 (Applied Art): At centres where necessary arrangements can be made, candidates may cut and print from a block in the examination room. Folded and cutout paper may be used in making designs. A collage may be used.

PART 2: INTERNAL ASSESSMENT — 100 Marks

To be assessed internally by the school.

1. Course Work

(a) Candidates will be required to practise sketching, painting, drawing, etc., in preparation for the examination. They will also undertake practical work on any of the topics suggested below. The practical work of the candidates will be assessed by the teacher as course work. The teacher is free to assess the course work either on the basis of continuous assessment or on the basis of periodical tests.

(b) Suggested topics for practical work:

1. Pottery work

2. Sculpture — any medium

3. Carving in any available material: e.g. wood, plaster, stone

4. Panel or relief in clay or plaster

5. Block-printing, batik, tie and dye, etc., on any material

6. Printing from original wood or lino block

7. Creative Photography

8. Cartoon and portrait drawing

9. Animation

   
   

2. Finished Work

In addition to the course work, the candidates will have to submit four pieces of finished Artwork for assessment by the External Examiner. The topics on which these pieces of Artwork may be based can be taken from:

• The syllabus, or

• Any of the topics listed in the suggested practical work above, or

• Any other aspect of Art

  
  

3. Assessment

The teacher and the External Examiner will assess the Artwork of the candidates on impression by placing the work of the candidates in groups, giving the following aspects due consideration:

1. Imaginative expression

2. Quality of pattern, line and materials

3. Skill in the use of tools and materials

4. Use of colour

4. Award of Marks

The total marks obtained out of 100 are to be sent to CISCE by the Head of the school via the CAREERS portal.

Internal Assessment Marking Criteria (Grade-Based)

Flags Summary