ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus 2026-27

ICSE CLASS 10 — PHYSICS

Complete Study Guide 2026-27

Board: CISCE | Exam Year: 2028 | Theory: 80 Marks | Internal Assessment: 20 Marks

Exam Structure

Note: Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to be used while teaching and learning, as well as for answering questions.

THEORY SYLLABUS — 80 Marks

Unit 1 — Force, Work, Power and Energy

(i) Turning Forces Concept; Moment of a Force; Forces in Equilibrium; Centre of Gravity

• 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 metre 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 = 0°, 90°. W = mgh.

• Definition of energy, energy as work done.

• Various units of work and energy and their relation with SI units: erg, calorie, kWh 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

Different types of energy: 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 = ½mv² (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

• Terms: effort E, load L, mechanical advantage MA = L/E, velocity ratio VR = VE/VL = dE/dL, input (Wi), output (Wo), 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.

  
  

Unit 2 — Light

(i) Refraction of Light through a Glass Block and a Triangular Prism

• 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

• 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 (60°, 60°, 60°), (60°, 30°, 90°), (45°, 45°, 90°).

• Use of right-angle prism to obtain δ = 90° and 180° (ray diagram).

• Comparison of total internal reflection from a prism and reflection from a plane mirror (qualitative only).

• Applications of total internal reflection.

  
  

(iii) Lenses (Converging and Diverging)

• 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.

Note: Magnifying power formula M = 1 + D/f and numerical based on this formula are not included.

• Applications of lenses.

  
  

(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.

  
  

Unit 3 — Sound

(i) Reflection of Sound Waves; Echoes

• Production of echoes, condition for formation of echoes.

• Simple numerical problems.

• Use of echoes by bats, dolphins, fishermen, medical field.

• SONAR.

  
  

(ii) Natural Vibrations, Damped Vibrations, Forced Vibrations and Resonance

• Meaning and simple applications of natural, damped, forced vibrations and resonance.

• Resonance — a special case of forced vibrations.

• 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).

  
  

Unit 4 — Electricity and Magnetism

(i) Ohm's Law; Concepts of EMF, Potential Difference, 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.

• Superconductors.

• 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 = I²Rt = (V²/R)t.

• 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 = kWh).

• Simple numerical problems.

  
  

(iii) Stages of Power Distribution — Main Circuit; Switches; Fuses; Earthing; Safety Precautions; Three-pin Plugs; Colour Coding of 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; Electromagnetic Induction; 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 household supplies.

• Fleming's Right Hand Rule.

Note: Principles only, laws not required.

Unit 5 — Heat

(i) Calorimetry

• Heat and its units (calorie, joule), temperature and its units (°C, K).

• Factors affecting heat absorbed and released.

• Thermal (heat) capacity C' = Q/T (SI unit of C').

• Specific heat capacity C = Q/mT (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.

• Natural phenomena involving specific heat. Consequences of high specific heat of water.

• Simple numerical problems.

(ii) Latent Heat

• 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.

Note: No numerical involving latent heat of vaporization.

Unit 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

Beta emitters:

• Strontium-90: controlling the thickness of paper

• Carbon-14: carbon dating

Gamma emitters:

• Cobalt-60: tracers for irradiation, sterilisation and cancer treatment

• Sodium-22: tracer

• Technetium-99m: diagnostic imaging

• Iodine-131: 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.

SI Units — Note

SI units (Systeme International d'Unites) were adopted internationally in 1968.

Fundamental Units

Derived Units (with complex names)

Derived Units (with special names)

Note: When the unit is named after a person, the symbol has a capital letter.

Standard Prefixes

Internal Assessment — 20 Marks

Practical Work Requirements

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. The students may perform about ten experiments. Some experiments may be demonstrated.

Suggested Experiments

1. Lever — 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 at 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 i₁, i₂, A and δ. Repeat for four different angles of incidence (say i₁ = 40°, 50°, 60° and 70°). Verify i₁ + i₂ = A + δ and A = r₁ + r₂.

7. For a ray of light incident normally (i₁ = 0) on one face of a prism, trace course of the ray. Measure the angle δ. Explain briefly. Do this for prisms with A = 60°, 45° and 90°.

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 a 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.

    
    

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.

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.

Preparation Tips — Theory (80 Marks)

General:

• The paper is 2 hours for 80 marks — approximately 1.5 minutes per mark.

• SI Units must be used throughout unless otherwise specified — the syllabus makes this explicit.

• Show all working, formulas, and derivations clearly.

• Ray diagrams must be approximate — scale drawing is not required.

Unit 1 — Force, Work, Power and Energy:

• Derivations required: PE = mgh, KE = ½mv², relation between η, MA and VR.

• Work-energy theorem is required but without derivation — know the statement and application.

• For levers: practise finding MA and VR for all three classes. Know examples from the human body for each class.

• For pulleys: know MA, VR and η for single fixed, single movable, and block and tackle — draw diagrams.

• Centre of gravity: qualitative only — no numerical required.

• Conservation of energy: know U + K = constant for falling body, and apply to pendulum qualitatively.

Unit 2 — Light:

• Refraction: know all four effects — speed decreases, wavelength decreases, frequency unchanged, direction changes (except at normal incidence).

• µ = c/V = 1/sin C — both forms must be known.

• Total internal reflection: know the exact three prism configurations and what deviation each produces.

• Lens formula: know Cartesian sign convention. Formula not to be derived but must be applied.

• Power of lens: P = 1/f (in metres) — know unit (dioptre).

• Dispersion: know the order of colours in spectrum and which colour deviates most/least.

• Electromagnetic spectrum: know names in order of increasing wavelength (Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma).

Unit 3 — Sound:

• Echo condition: minimum distance = (speed × time)/2. For echo, distance must be at least 17 metres (speed of sound 340 m/s, minimum time gap 0.1s).

• Resonance: know it is a special case of forced vibrations — give real-life examples.

• Know the subjective-objective distinction: loudness is subjective, intensity is objective; pitch is subjective, frequency is objective.

Unit 4 — Electricity and Magnetism:

• Derivations required: equivalent resistance in series (R = R₁ + R₂ + ...) and parallel (1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + ...).

• Know all three electrical energy formulas: W = VIt = I²Rt = V²t/R.

• Colour coding: Live = Brown (old: Red), Neutral = Blue (old: Black), Earth = Green/Yellow (old: Green).

• Transformer: know it works on electromagnetic induction. Step-up increases voltage, decreases current. Step-down does the reverse.

• Electromagnetic induction: Fleming's Right Hand Rule (generator); Fleming's Left Hand Rule (motor).

Unit 5 — Heat:

• Specific heat capacity C = Q/mΔT — know all three values: ice (2100 J/kg/K), water (4200 J/kg/K), copper (390 J/kg/K).

• Method of mixtures: heat lost by hot body = heat gained by cold body.

• Latent heat: no numerical for vaporization — only fusion numericals required.

• Heating curve: know each segment and what happens at each phase change.

Unit 6 — Modern Physics:

• α, β, γ: know nature, charge, mass, penetrating power, and ionising power for each.

• α decay: Z decreases by 2, A decreases by 4. β decay: Z increases by 1, A unchanged.

• Know specific isotopes and their uses — all listed in syllabus are examinable.

• Nuclear fission: heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei. Nuclear fusion: light nuclei combine to form heavier nucleus. Know the difference.

  
  

Important Flags — What is Excluded

How to Score Full Marks in Internal Assessment

FAQs — Physics

Q1. How long is the theory paper? 2 hours for 80 marks.

Q2. Are SI units compulsory? Yes. The syllabus explicitly states: "Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to be used while teaching and learning, as well as for answering questions."

Q3. Is the derivation of the lens formula required? No. The syllabus states: "derivation of formula not required." You must know and apply the formula, not derive it.

Q4. Is the magnifying power formula M = 1 + D/f required? No. The syllabus explicitly excludes this formula and numericals based on it.

Q5. Is the work-energy theorem derivation required? No. The syllabus states: "Work-energy theorem without derivation."

Q6. What derivations ARE required in Unit 1? Potential energy PE = mgh, kinetic energy KE = ½mv², and the relation between efficiency η, mechanical advantage MA, and velocity ratio VR.

Q7. Are numerical problems on latent heat of vaporization included? No. The syllabus explicitly states: "No numerical involving latent heat of vaporization."

Q8. What are the three essential conditions for total internal reflection? (1) Light must travel from a denser medium to a rarer medium. (2) The angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle. These two are the essential conditions explicitly specified.

Q9. What is the formula for critical angle? µ = 1/sin C, where C is the critical angle and µ is the refractive index of the denser medium.

Q10. For electromagnetic induction, are laws required? No. The syllabus specifies "principles only, laws not required" for this section.

Q11. Are scale drawings of ray diagrams required? No. The syllabus explicitly states: "Scale drawing or graphical representation of ray diagrams not required."

Q12. How many experiments should students perform? The syllabus states: "The students may perform about ten experiments. Some experiments may be demonstrated." A suggested list of 12 experiments is provided.

Q13. What is the marks split for Internal Assessment? Subject Teacher: 10 marks. External Examiner: 10 marks. Total: 20 marks.

Q14. What concepts must students know for Internal Assessment? Least count, significant figures and elementary error handling — these are explicitly listed in the syllabus.

All content above is based directly on the official CISCE ICSE Physics Syllabus, Examination Year 2028. Verify with the latest document at cisce.org.