ICSE Class 10 Technical Drawing Applications Syllabus 2026-27

ICSE CLASS 10 — TECHNICAL DRAWING APPLICATIONS

Complete Study Guide 2026-27

Board: CISCE | Exam Year: 2028 | Theory: 100 Marks | Internal Assessment: 100 Marks

Exam Structure

THEORY — 100 Marks

The theory paper is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B.

SECTION A

Unit 1 — Geometrical Constructions Based on Plane Geometry

(a) Division of a line into equal or proportional parts: Construction of a triangle/quadrilateral when its perimeter and the ratio of the lengths of its sides are given.

(b) Division of a circle into equal parts (4, 6, 8, 12) using set square or compasses.

(c) To find the length of an arc/circumference of a circle.

(d) An angle and a circle touching its sides.

(e) A circle of given radius passing through two given points.

(f) An arc passing through three non-collinear points.

(g) A continuous arc passing through not more than 5 non-collinear points.

(h) A regular polygon (3, 4, 5, 6 sides) with special methods (side given).

(i) Construction of a regular octagon in a square (side of the square = distance between parallel sides of an octagon).

(j) More than one polygon (sides 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) on a common base on the same side/opposite sides.

(k) Inscribing/Circumscribing a circle on a regular polygon (3, 4, 5, 6 sides).

(l) Inscribe/Circumscribe a circle of given radius by a regular polygon up to six sides.

(m) In a regular polygon to draw the same number of equal circles as the sides of the polygon, each circle touching one/two sides of the polygon and two of the other circles externally.

(n) Outside a regular polygon to draw the same number of equal circles as the sides of the polygon, each touching one side of the polygon and two of the other circles externally.

(o) Regular hexagon and 3 equal circles inside it touching one side/two sides of the hexagon and the other two circles externally.

(p) A circle and (3, 4, 5, 6) equal circles inside it touching internally and touching each other externally.

(q) Tangents to a circle at a point on the circumference.

(r) Direct common tangents/Transverse common tangents to two equal/unequal circles. Also, to measure and record their lengths.

(s) Drawing (not more than three) circles touching each other externally and also touching two converging lines (radius of one of the circles is given).

Unit 2 — Area Constructions

(a) Constructions based on the application of area theorems (area of polygons).

(b) Converting the given polygon into a triangle having equal/half/double the area of the polygon.

(c) Changing given triangles (2 or 3) into a single triangle having the area equal to the sum of the areas of the given triangles.

Methods for constructing:

• A scalene triangle / isosceles triangle / a right-angled triangle equal to the area / half the area / twice the area of any given quadrilateral.

• A parallelogram equal in area to any given triangle.

• A triangle equal in area to the sum of any two/three given triangles.

• A triangle equal in area / half the area to any given regular pentagon/hexagon.

• A triangle of a given base/altitude, equal in area to another given triangle.

• A triangle equal in area to ½ or twice the area of any given triangle.

• A square equal in area to any given parallelogram/triangle/rectangle.

• A square, equal in area to any given regular pentagon/hexagon.

Unit 3 — Templates as an Application of Geometrical Constructions

(a) Arc of a given radius touching a given line and passing through a given point.

(b) Arc of given radius touching two intersecting straight lines.

(c) Arc of given radius touching a given arc and a straight line.

(d) Arc of a given radius touching two given arcs (externally/internally).

(To redraw the given figure and insert the dimensions.)

Applying the construction methods, involving circles, tangential circles/arcs/straight lines and points, for constructing TEMPLATES of various shapes.

Unit 4 — Scales

(a) To find the R.F. (Representative Fraction) and the scale length from the given data by showing neat working.

(b) Construction of a plain scale/diagonal scale.

(c) Use of constructed scale in the preparation of field drawing scale diagram (enough data to be provided).

• Definition of R.F. formula.

• Finding the Representative Fraction (R.F.) and the Scale length by the given data by showing neat working/lettering.

• Construction of Plain and Diagonal Scales in different units of linear measurements, and marked and numbered accordingly.

• Transferring the required measurements, from the constructed scale, to create finished Scaled drawings of: field drawings/templates/Orthographic projections/plane geometrical constructions.

Unit 5 — Engineering Curves

An ellipse, a parabola. Engineering Curves (construction only) as used in manhole covers, arches, dams, monuments etc.

(i) Ellipse: (major and minor axes given)

• (a) by arcs of circles method.

• (b) by the concentric circles method.

• (c) by oblong method.

(ii) Parabola: (base and axis given)

• (a) by rectangle method.

• (b) by tangent method.

Unit 6 — Solids

(a) Orthographic projections of right solids such as regular prisms and pyramids with bases as regular polygons up to six sides, cylinder and cone.

(i) Axis perpendicular to one of the reference planes and parallel to the other. (ii) Axis parallel to both the reference planes (prism/cylinder only). (iii) Axis inclined to one of the reference planes and parallel to the other. Use of auxiliary plane may be included (Auxiliary elevation and auxiliary plan).

(b) Development of surfaces of the right solids (Parallel and Radial).

(c) Determination of true length of line when inclined to both the reference planes e.g. slant edge of a pyramid.

Right Solids covered:

• Prisms: triangular, square, pentagonal and hexagonal.

• Pyramids: triangular, square, pentagonal and hexagonal bases.

• Cylinders and Cones.

Simple word problems on:

(i) Orthographic projections of right solids:

• With its axis, perpendicular to one plane, and, parallel to the other plane.

• With its axis, parallel to both planes.

• With its axis, parallel to one plane, and, inclined to the other plane.

(ii) Parallel and Radial Development of lateral surfaces of right solids with axis perpendicular to H.P. and parallel to V.P.

(iii) Determination of true length of the slant edge of a pyramid when the slant edge is inclined to both H.P. and V.P.

(iv) Auxiliary views: Figure showing auxiliary inclined plane should be given with the word problem.

• Auxiliary elevation of right solid with axis parallel to H.P. and inclined to V.P.

• Auxiliary plan of a right solid with axis inclined to H.P. and parallel to V.P.

Unit 7 — Oblique Drawing

Conversion of given orthographic views to oblique view (circular parts in top view to be excluded). Circular parts only in one view either in front view or in the side view. The angle of inclination with the receding axis to be given.

SECTION B

Unit 8 — Sections of Right Solids (Prism, Pyramid, Cylinder and Cone)

(a) Sectional views of cut solids with axis perpendicular to H.P. and parallel to V.P.: (i) V.T. (Vertical Trace) parallel to or inclined to H.P. (ii) H.T. (Horizontal Trace) parallel/inclined to V.P. (Figure showing V.T and H.T should be given.) Questions based on word problems should be excluded.

(b) Axis parallel to both the reference planes (prism and cylinder only) with H.T. or V.T. of cutting plane shown in the figure.

(c) Development of lateral surfaces of cut solids (parallel, radial): Prism, Pyramid, cylinder, cone.

(d) Development of pipe joints as elbow joints, exhaust pipes etc. and the objects made of sheet metals in the shape of cylinders.

(e) True shape of a section.

(f) Auxiliary views (A.F.V./A.T.V.) of cut solids with axis perpendicular to H.P. and parallel to V.P. with: (i) Auxiliary plane parallel to the cutting plane. (ii) Auxiliary plane inclined to H.P. at a given angle θ.

Sections of Right Solids — detailed scope:

Sectional views, of cut/truncated solids:

• With its axis, perpendicular to the H.P. and parallel to the V.P., when the cutting plane is parallel/inclined to H.P. or, to the V.P. (only one cutting plane to be expressed in the figure).

• With its axis, parallel to both planes (prisms and cylinders only), with not more than one cutting plane shown in the figure.

Developments of the lateral surfaces of:

• Cut Solids/Truncated Solids (parallel and radial), such as Prisms, Cylinders, Pyramids and Cones with one cutting plane shown in the figure.

• Cylindrical pipe joints, as used for constructing Chimneys, Ventilators, exhaust pipes, etc., as application of development of lateral surfaces of cut/truncated cylinders with one/more than one cutting plane shown in the figure.

Auxiliary view, of cut/truncated solids such as prism/pyramids/cylinder/cone, when the axis is perpendicular to the H.P. and parallel to the V.P. with the Auxiliary plane:

• Parallel to the cutting plane.

• At an inclination to the H.P. Auxiliary plane should be shown in the figure.

True Shape of the cut/truncated surface of right solids such as prism/pyramid/cylinder/cone when axis is perpendicular to H.P. and parallel to V.P.

Unit 9 — Isometric Drawing

(Use of scale to draw isometric drawing may be included e.g. 2:1 or 1:2 only.)

(a) Copy the given isometric figure.

(b) Conversion of the given orthographic view into isometric drawing.

(c) Isometric projection by constructing and making use of an isometric scale.

Isometric Drawing: In full scale and maybe in the scale of 2:1 or 1:2.

• Drawing the Isometric view, from a given Isometric view.

• Drawing the Isometric view, by reading and visualizing the same, from the given Orthographic views.

• Drawing the Isometric projection from either a given pictorial view or the Orthographic views, by constructing and using the Isometric Scale.

Unit 10 — Sectional Orthographic Views (1st and 3rd Angle Methods)

(a) Conversion of given pictorial view (Isometric/oblique) into sectional/half-sectional orthographic views.

(b) Conversion of a given orthographic view into sectional/half-sectional views and adding the missing view.

The Orthographic Projection, First and Third angle methods (at least one of the views as sectional view):

• Drawing the Orthographic views/full sectional views/half-sectional views of an object shown in a given pictorial view: Isometric/Oblique with cutting plane/planes shown.

• Converting the given Orthographic view/views into Sectional views, full/half according to the Cutting plane line/lines marked in a given view/views.

• Dimensioning the Orthographic views showing the cutting plane, naming the views.

PART II: INTERNAL ASSESSMENT — 100 Marks

Requirements

1. To prepare a file containing a minimum of 15 drawing assignments. The drawing assignments should cover the entire syllabus of Class X. One/two assignments on each unit of syllabus should be prepared on half imperial size drawing paper.

2. To make a three-dimensional model with stiff cartridge paper/chart paper involving the application of the development of solids such as a prism/pyramid.

3. To make a model with thermocol involving the application of the true shape of the section of truncated solids such as a prism/pyramid/cylinder/cone.

Evaluation

The assignments/project work is 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 section/class.

The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will assess the assignments independently.

The total marks obtained out of 100 are to be sent to CISCE Council 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.

Internal Assessment Marking Criteria

Preparation Tips — Theory (100 Marks)

General:

• The paper is 3 hours for 100 marks — approximately 1.8 minutes per mark.

• All construction work must be done with drawing instruments — neat, accurate construction is essential.

• Always show construction arcs and lines; do not erase them — they form part of the answer.

• Label all views, lines, and points clearly.

Unit 1 — Geometrical Constructions:

• Practise all 19 sub-topics — this is the largest unit and almost always has questions in the paper.

• Regular polygon constructions: know special methods for triangle (3), square (4), pentagon (5) and hexagon (6) separately.

• Tangent constructions: practise direct and transverse common tangents to circles of different sizes — measure and record lengths accurately.

• Circle packing problems (inscribed circles in polygons): these require patience — practise finding centres accurately.

Unit 2 — Area Constructions:

• Area theorem: remember the basic principle — parallelograms on the same base and between the same parallels are equal in area.

• Converting any polygon to a triangle of equal area: do this step by step, reducing the number of sides by one each time.

• Square equal in area to a rectangle: use geometric mean construction.

Unit 3 — Templates:

• Templates combine arcs, tangents, and lines — practise each component construction first before doing full templates.

• Always redraw the given figure with correct dimensions before beginning the template construction.

Unit 4 — Scales:

• R.F. (Representative Fraction) = Drawing length/Actual length — always express as a fraction, never with units.

• Plain scale: can read two measurements (e.g. metres and decimetres).

• Diagonal scale: can read three measurements (e.g. metres, decimetres and centimetres).

• Always construct the scale completely with all divisions and labels before using it.

Unit 5 — Engineering Curves:

• Ellipse: practise all three methods — arcs of circles, concentric circles, and oblong. Know which is fastest and most accurate for you.

• Parabola: know both rectangle and tangent methods.

• Join all plotted points with a smooth curve — never with straight line segments.

Unit 6 — Solids (Orthographic Projections and Developments):

• Always draw the solid in all required views: Front View (FV), Top View (TV), and Side View (SV) as required.

• For development: parallel development is used for prisms and cylinders; radial development is used for pyramids and cones.

• True length of slant edge: use the rotation method to find true length when edge is inclined to both H.P. and V.P.

• Auxiliary views: always show the auxiliary plane in the figure.

Unit 7 — Oblique Drawing:

• The receding axis is drawn at the given angle to the horizontal — always use the stated angle.

• Circular parts in the top view are excluded — only front view or side view circles are drawn (as ellipses in oblique).

Unit 8 — Sections:

• Know V.T. and H.T. of cutting planes thoroughly — these define the section.

• Word problems are excluded — questions must show the figure with V.T. and H.T.

• True shape: always use auxiliary plane parallel to cutting plane to obtain true shape.

• Development of cut solids: always start from the development of the complete solid, then cut.

Unit 9 — Isometric Drawing:

• Non-isometric lines must be plotted point by point — never drawn directly.

• Circles in isometric appear as ellipses — use the four-centre method.

• If scale is given (2:1 or 1:2), construct the isometric scale first.

Unit 10 — Sectional Orthographic Views:

• Know both First Angle (British) and Third Angle (American) methods — know which view goes where in each.

• Full sectional view: entire object is cut along the cutting plane.

• Half-sectional view: only half the object is cut — used for symmetrical objects.

• Section lines (hatching) must be drawn at 45° with equal spacing — never in structural members or ribs.

• Always name the views: Front View, Top View, Side View, etc.

Preparation Tips — Internal Assessment (100 Marks)

File of Drawing Assignments (15 minimum):

• Cover every unit of the syllabus — one or two assignments per unit.

• All drawings must be on half imperial size drawing paper.

• Use proper drawing instruments throughout — pencil grades matter (H for construction, HB for visible lines).

• Use correct line types: thick continuous for visible lines, thin continuous for dimension lines, dashed for hidden lines, chain line for centre lines.

• Label all drawings neatly with proper lettering.

• Include a title block on each sheet — drawing title, date, scale, your name, class.

3D Model — Development of Solids:

• Choose a prism or pyramid to make from stiff cartridge paper/chart paper.

• Construct the accurate net (development) on paper first, then transfer and cut.

• Score fold lines before folding to get sharp edges.

• Ensure all faces join accurately — gaps or overlaps indicate inaccurate development.

Thermocol Model — True Shape of Section:

• Choose a truncated solid: prism, pyramid, cylinder or cone.

• The cut surface must correctly show the true shape of the section.

• Smooth the cut surface — rough cuts lose marks on presentation.

• Label the solid and indicate the cutting plane.

How to Score Grade I in Internal Assessment

FAQs — Technical Drawing Applications

Q1. How long is the theory paper and how many marks is it? 3 hours for 100 marks.

Q2. How many marks is the Internal Assessment? 100 marks — divided equally between the Subject Teacher (50 marks) and the External Examiner (50 marks).

Q3. How many drawing assignments are required for internal assessment? A minimum of 15 drawing assignments, covering the entire Class X syllabus, on half imperial size drawing paper.

Q4. What three components make up the Internal Assessment? (1) A file of minimum 15 drawing assignments. (2) A 3D model made of stiff cartridge paper/chart paper showing development of a solid (prism/pyramid). (3) A thermocol model showing the true shape of a section of a truncated solid.

Q5. What is a Representative Fraction (R.F.)? R.F. is the ratio of the drawing length to the actual length of the object: R.F. = Drawing length/Actual length. It has no units. If R.F. = 1/50, the drawing is 50 times smaller than the object.

Q6. What is the difference between a Plain Scale and a Diagonal Scale? A Plain Scale can read two units of measurement (e.g. metres and decimetres). A Diagonal Scale can read three units of measurement (e.g. metres, decimetres and centimetres) by using the principle of similar triangles.

Q7. What is the difference between Parallel Development and Radial Development? Parallel development is used for prisms and cylinders — the lateral surface unfolds with parallel stretchout lines. Radial development is used for pyramids and cones — the lateral surface unfolds with radial lines from the apex.

Q8. Are word problems included in Section B (Sections of Solids)? For sectional views (Unit 8a), the syllabus explicitly states: "Questions based on word problems should be excluded." The figure with V.T. and H.T. must be shown.

Q9. What solids are covered in the syllabus? Prisms (triangular, square, pentagonal and hexagonal), Pyramids (triangular, square, pentagonal and hexagonal bases), Cylinders and Cones.

Q10. What is the difference between First Angle and Third Angle projection? In First Angle (British) projection, the top view is placed below the front view and the left side view is placed to the right. In Third Angle (American) projection, the top view is placed above the front view and the left side view is placed to the left.

Q11. What scale can be used for Isometric Drawing? Full scale, or 2:1 or 1:2 only — as explicitly stated in the syllabus.

Q12. For Oblique Drawing, are circular parts in the top view included? No. The syllabus explicitly states: "circular parts in top view to be excluded." Circular parts may appear only in one view — either the front view or the side view.

Q13. In Unit 8 (Sections), how many cutting planes can appear in a figure? For sectional views with axis perpendicular to H.P.: only one cutting plane to be expressed in the figure. For axis parallel to both planes (prisms and cylinders): not more than one cutting plane shown.

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