ICSE Class 9 Art Syllabus 2026-27

Art (Subject Code 60) is offered as an elective subject under Group III of the ICSE Class 9 curriculum. The syllabus is common to both Classes IX and X and is administered by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Students, parents, and teachers must verify the latest syllabus at www.cisce.org.

The subject is entirely practical in nature. There is no written theory examination. Part 1 is the external examination; students choose any two papers from the four offered. Part 2 is the internal assessment conducted and marked by the school.

Aims

•        To acquire knowledge of artistic terms, facts, concepts, theories, and principles in drawing and painting, including imagination, creativity, expression, aesthetic sense, organisation, observation, and interest.

•        To develop an interest in the world of art.

•        To develop an artistic attitude and values through the study of art.

•        To acquire skills in observation, handling tools, and drawing illustrations.

Examination Structure and Marking Scheme

Note: The Class X ICSE Board Examination is set on the full combined (Classes IX and X) syllabus. The Class IX internal school examination covers the portion of this syllabus completed during the Class IX academic year. CISCE has not prescribed a fixed bifurcation.

Part 1: External Examination -- Four Papers (Choose Any Two)

Candidates register for any two of the four papers at the start of the academic year. Each paper is a 3-hour drawing and/or painting examination conducted in the examination hall.

General Notes Applicable to All Papers

•        Any medium may be used provided it is suitable for the subject. Painted work must be in a quick-drying medium and must be completely dry before dispatch to the Examiner.

•        When acrylic paint is used, it must be mixed with water. All paints 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 being sent to the Examiner.

•        Candidates must use their judgement regarding (i) the size of the drawing or painting and (ii) the proportion of height to width within the space available. Credit will be given to good composition.

•        For Papers 1 to 3, the test is of free drawing or painting. Any mechanical means for execution of drawing or painting (such as measuring or ruling) are NOT allowed.

•        Instruments and tracing paper are allowed for Paper 4, but candidates are advised to restrict their use as far as possible.

•        The standard paper size provided is approximately 35 cm x 25 cm. Schools or candidates wishing to work on a larger scale (not larger than Half-Imperial or Royal: 65 cm x 50 cm) or on a different type of paper are at liberty to provide their own. Paper must be not less than 35 cm x 25 cm and the work submitted must fill or approximately fill the page.

•        Work carried out on stiff boards or which is mounted cannot be accepted.

•        All drawings must be packed flat and not rolled.

•        Candidates must write their examination number clearly and correctly on their work. Names should be written on the front (top right-hand corner) and also on the back of assignments. Nothing else should be written on the front of the picture. Failure to observe this instruction may result in loss of marks.

Paper 1: Drawing and/or Painting from Still Life (100 Marks | 3 Hours)

A group of objects -- artificial or natural -- will be arranged and set up in the examination hall. The group may include:

•        Natural objects: cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, a growing plant

•        Artificial/domestic objects: household articles and other man-made items

•        Mixed arrangements: combinations of natural and artificial objects

Additional requirements:

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

•        If the group is painted, the background must be included.

•        The group and subject are arranged so that each candidate has an uninterrupted view; candidates should be not more than 4 m from the group.

•        Candidates may form a semicircle but not a complete circle round the group. 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 direct sunlight does not fall upon the group while work is in progress.

•        The surface on which the group of objects is arranged must be below the level of the candidate's eye-level.

Paper 2: Drawing and/or Painting from Nature (100 Marks | 3 Hours)

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

Section A: Study of the Structure of Natural Forms

•        Drawing and/or painting of a spray or branch, which may include flowers, foliage, or fruit; fossils; bones; or similar natural structures

•        Candidates are expected to reveal their appreciation of natural growth or structure by means of drawing or painting

•        Each candidate is given a separate specimen and is permitted to handle and arrange it

•        Sprays must be reasonably large and full and in good condition; displayed in a vase or bottle, clearly visible against a plain background. The container must not be drawn

•        If the specimens named in the official instruction are not available, supervisors may substitute similar specimens in consultation with the Art teacher; the name of the specimen used must be stated on the back of the drawing in small block letters

Section B: Direct Study of Nature (Outdoors)

•        A subject will be set for drawing or painting out of doors

•        There must be evidence of a direct study from nature in the finished work

•        The subject may be interpreted freely, in a decorative or realistic manner

Paper 3: Original Imaginative Composition in Colour (100 Marks | 3 Hours)

•        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. Candidates should be instructed to bring their copies of the question paper with them at the time fixed for this examination.

•        Since this is a test of original work, it would be inappropriate for any form of guidance to be given to candidates other than that printed on the question paper.

•        A variety of themes will be set. These may be given as: titles indicating the subject; specified subjects for inclusion in the composition; or 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.

•        Monochrome may be used where permitted by the regulations for each paper but will not be accepted as satisfying the requirement for colour in Paper 3.

Paper 4: Applied Art (100 Marks | 3 Hours)

Candidates are 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 one of the following:

•        A page of a book, book cover, or endpaper

•        A notice or pictorial poster

•        A card such as a Christmas card, invitation card, or emblem

•        A patterned paper for a specific purpose

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

Additional notes for Paper 4:

•        Instruments and tracing paper are allowed for Paper 4, but candidates are advised to restrict their use as far as possible

•        At centres where necessary arrangements can be made, candidates may cut and print from a block in the examination room

•        Folded and cut-out paper may be used in making designs

•        A collage may be used

Part 2: Internal Assessment (100 Marks)

Part 2 is assessed internally by the school. It consists of two components: Course Work and Finished Work. The teacher and an External Examiner assess the artwork on impression by placing the work of candidates in groups, giving due consideration to the specified criteria.

(A) Course Work

Candidates are required to practise sketching, painting, drawing, etc., in preparation for the external examination. They also undertake practical work on the suggested topics. The teacher may assess course work either on the basis of continuous assessment or on the basis of periodical tests.

Suggested topics for practical work:

•        Pottery work

•        Sculpture: any medium

•        Carving in any available material (wood, plaster, stone)

•        Panel or relief in clay or plaster

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

•        Printing from original wood or lino block

•        Creative Photography

•        Cartoon and portrait drawing

•        Animation

(B) Finished Work

In addition to the course work, candidates must submit FOUR pieces of finished artwork for assessment by the External Examiner. The topics for these pieces may be taken from the syllabus, from any of the suggested topics in Course Work above, or from any other aspect of Art.

(C) Assessment Criteria

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

•        Imaginative expression

•        Quality of pattern, line, and materials

•        Skill in the use of tools and materials

•        Use of colour

Other aspects may also be considered depending on the nature of the practical work.

(D) Award of Marks (100 Marks)

The total marks obtained out of 100 are to be sent to CISCE by the Head of the school. The Head of the school is responsible for the online entry of marks on CISCE's CAREERS portal by the due date.

Internal Assessment in Art: Guidelines for Marking with Grades

Preparation Tips for Students

For the External Papers (Part 1)

•        Practise both of your chosen papers regularly throughout the year under timed conditions (3 hours each).

•        For Paper 1 (Still Life): set up arrangements of natural and artificial objects at home. Practise drawing form, tone, texture, and colour. Always include the background when painting.

•        For Paper 2 Section A (Natural Forms): collect natural specimens regularly. Practise drawing analytically, focusing on growth and structure, not just copying the surface appearance.

•        For Paper 2 Section B (Outdoors): make regular outdoor sketching trips. The work must show direct, on-site observation.

•        For Paper 3 (Composition): when the subject list is given one week before the exam, think carefully about your composition and colour scheme. No sketches or notes may be taken into the hall. Practise composing imaginary scenes from memory.

•        For Paper 4 (Applied Art): practise designing posters, book covers, and cards. Develop your lettering (pen-made and brush-written). Study layout, visual hierarchy, and the use of colour in applied design.

•        Work with a variety of media throughout the year: watercolour, poster colour, acrylic, coloured pencils, pastels, and pen and ink. Be comfortable with at least two or three media.

For the Internal Assessment (Part 2)

•        Engage seriously with all course work throughout the year. The Internal Examiner assesses cumulative development, not just one piece.

•        Prepare four strong pieces of finished artwork for the External Examiner. These can be from any aspect of Art: drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking, photography, etc.

•        Focus on all four assessment criteria in every piece: imaginative expression, quality of pattern and line, skill in tool use, and use of colour.

•        Maintain a sketchbook: record observations, experiments with media, composition ideas, and colour studies throughout the year.

•        Aim for Grade I or II on the grading scale: work that is inspired, shows mastery of tools, and demonstrates strong use of light, dark, colour, and texture.

Official Source and Further Reference

The complete and authoritative syllabus for ICSE Class 9 Art (Subject Code 60) is published by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on their official website. This document is based on the official CISCE syllabus (pages 178 to 181 of the CISCE regulations document).