ICSE Class 9 Malayalam Syllabus 2026-27

Important note about Class 9: The Class IX examination is conducted by the school and is not a board examination. The Class X ICSE Board Examination paper is set on the entire syllabus (Classes IX and X combined). CISCE has not prescribed a fixed bifurcation.

Important note about prescribed textbooks: The list of prescribed textbooks (Appendix I of the official CISCE Second Languages syllabus document) must be confirmed directly from www.cisce.org or from the school, as textbooks may be updated each session.

Aims of the Malayalam Syllabus

•        To appreciate Malayalam as an effective means of communication and as a classical language of India.

•        To acquire knowledge of the elements of the Malayalam language: grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and idiom.

•        To develop a genuine interest in the Malayalam language and its rich literary heritage spanning over a thousand years.

•        To understand Malayalam when spoken at normal conversational speed.

•        To understand the basic structural patterns of Malayalam, including sentence construction and common constructions.

•        To develop the ability to read, comprehend, and respond to unseen prose passages in Malayalam.

•        To develop the ability to write compositions and letters in correct, idiomatic Malayalam.

•        To develop an appreciation of Malayalam literature through engagement with the prescribed texts.

Examination Structure and Marking Scheme

Internal Assessment marks (20 marks): Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner): 10 marks + External Examiner nominated by Head of School: 10 marks. Both examiners assess independently.

Section A: Language (40 Marks) -- Compulsory

All four components must be attempted.

1. Composition (Rachana / Upanyasam)

•        Candidates write one composition in Malayalam from a choice of subjects.

•        Topics may include narratives, descriptions, short explanations, or directions; stimuli may include pictures, photographs, or objects.

•        Assessment focuses on: relevance, organisation, clarity, correct Malayalam grammar (vyakaranam), spelling (eluthu), and vocabulary.

2. Letter Writing (Katthu Lekhana)

•        Candidates write one letter from a choice of two given subjects.

•        Formal letters (opikayal katthu): to authorities, editors, organisations; and informal/personal letters (vyaktigata katthu): to relatives and friends.

•        The layout of the letter (date, address, salutation, body, conclusion, signature) forms part of the assessment.

3. Comprehension (Gadyavanachana / Avabodha)

•        An unseen prose passage of approximately 250 words in Malayalam will be provided.

•        Questions test understanding of the content, meaning, and language of the passage.

•        All questions and answers must be written in Malayalam.

4. Grammar (Vyakaranam)

Tests practical use of Malayalam language. Knowledge of formal grammatical definitions is NOT required. The following grammar topics are tested:

Naamam (Nouns)

•        Types of nouns (Naamangalude Bhedangal): Jathinaamam (common noun), Vyakthinaamam (proper noun), Bhavanaamam (abstract noun), Samuhanaamam (collective noun), Dravyanaamam (material noun)

•        Lingam (Gender): Pullinga (masculine), Strillinga (feminine), Kleebalinga (neuter); gender formation rules in Malayalam and common examples

•        Vachanam (Number): Ekavachanam (singular) and Bahuvachanam (plural); rules for plural formation in Malayalam

Sarvanaamam (Pronouns)

•        Types of pronouns: Purushavachaka Sarvanaamam (personal pronouns: njan/avan/aval/nangal/ningal/avar); Nishchaya Sarvanaamam (definite: ithanu/athu); Anishchaya Sarvanaamam (indefinite: evarenkililum); Prashna Sarvanaamam (interrogative: aaru, enthu, evan/eval); Sambandha Sarvanaamam (relative)

•        Correct use of pronouns in Malayalam sentences; pronoun-verb agreement

Vishesha Naamam (Adjectives)

•        Types of adjectives: Guna Vishesha (qualitative), Sankhya Vishesha (numeral), Parimaana Vishesha (quantitative)

•        Position of adjectives in Malayalam (always precede the noun they modify)

•        Degrees of comparison (Thaarathamya Roopangal): Sama Tharathamyam (positive), Adhika Tharathamyam (comparative with -irikkunnu, -aanu in comparison), Maha Tharathamyam (superlative)

Kriya / Kriyapada (Verbs)

•        Types of verbs (Kriyakude Bhedangal): Sakarmaka Kriya (transitive: verb takes an object), Akarmaka Kriya (intransitive: verb does not take an object), Preraka Kriya (causative verb)

•        Kaalangal (Tenses): Varthamaanam (present: simple, continuous, perfect), Bhootham (past: simple, continuous, perfect, pluperfect), Bhavishat (future: simple and conditional)

•        Verb forms in Malayalam: finite verbs (kriya), verbal nouns (kriyanaamam), verbal adjectives (bhootakalakriyavishesha naamam), adverbial participles (kriyavishesha prayogam)

•        Subject-verb agreement for gender, number, and person in Malayalam

Avyayam / Kriya Visheshanam (Adverbs and Indeclinables)

•        Avyayam: words that do not inflect for gender, number, or case

•        Kriya Visheshanam (Adverbs): modifying verbs -- of time (kaalavachaka), place (desavachaka), manner (prakaravachaka), and degree (tharathamyavachaka)

•        Yojaka Avyayam (Conjunctions): connecting clauses and sentences (um, also; aana, but; ennaal, therefore; etc.)

•        Uchcha Avyayam (Exclamations/Interjections): expressing emotions

Vibhakti (Case Endings and Postpositions)

•        Vibhakti: grammatical suffixes and postpositions that indicate the relationship of a noun or pronoun to other elements in the Malayalam sentence

•        Eight case relationships: Prathamaa (nominative: subject), Dvitiyaa (accusative: object, with suffix -e/-ne/-ine), Tritiyaa (instrumental: -aal/-kondu/-um), Chaturthi (dative: -kku/-inu), Panchamii (ablative: -il ninnum/-il nninnum), Shashthi (genitive: -ude/-inte/-nte), Saptamii (locative: -il/-kal), Sambodhanam (vocative: calling/addressing)

•        Common postpositions in Malayalam: mele (on), keezhil (under), mukhampaadu (in front of), pinnaaley (behind), ullil (inside), purathu (outside)

Vakya Rachana and Vakya Parivartan (Sentence Construction and Transformation)

•        Types of sentences by structure: Lajhu Vaakyam (simple sentence: one subject and one predicate), Samastaavaakyam (compound sentence: two independent clauses), Samshlishtavaakyam (complex sentence: one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses)

•        Types by meaning: Vidhi Vaakyam (declarative/affirmative), Nisheda Vaakyam (negative), Prashna Vaakyam (interrogative), Ajna/Niyoga Vaakyam (imperative), Vismaya Vaakyam (exclamatory)

•        Karthri Prayogam (Active Voice): subject is the agent performing the action

•        Karma Prayogam (Passive Voice): action is performed on the subject; transformation from active to passive voice

•        Pratyaksha Ukti to Paroksha Ukti (Direct to Indirect Speech): converting between direct and reported speech in Malayalam

•        Converting between simple, compound, and complex sentences

Kriyanaamam and Krudanta Roopangal (Verbal Nouns and Non-Finite Verb Forms)

•        Kriyanaamam (Verbal Noun): the infinitive/gerund form of the verb used as a noun (e.g. cheyyuka -- to do/doing)

•        Bhootakala Kriyana Amam (Past Participial Noun): the past participial form used as a noun or adjective

•        Kriya Visheshanam (Adverbial Participle): the verb form used to modify the main verb; indicates sequence, condition, or manner

•        Namyapratyaya Krudanta (Participial Adjective): the verbal adjective modifying a noun (e.g. vannu nirnn a = the one who came and stood)

Sandhi (Phonetic Junction)

•        Definition of Sandhi: the phonological changes that occur when two words or morphemes are joined together in Malayalam

•        Svarasandhi (Vowel Sandhi): rules for the combination of adjacent vowels at word boundaries

•        Vyanjanasandhi (Consonant Sandhi): rules for the combination of consonants at word boundaries, including gemination (dvitva vyakaranam) and mutation of consonants

•        Visargasandhi: rules for the visarga sound at junctions

•        Sandhi Vigraha: splitting a sandhi form back into its component parts

Samaasam (Compound Words)

•        Definition of Samaasam: combining two or more words into a single compound word with a modified or extended meaning

•        Dvandva Samaasam (Copulative Compound): both components have equal importance, joined by 'and' (um/mattu)

•        Tatpurusha Samaasam (Determinative Compound): the second element is the main word, modified or qualified by the first

•        Karmadharaya Samaasam (Attributive Compound): a type of Tatpurusha where the relationship is attributive (adjective + noun, or noun + noun in apposition)

•        Bahuvrihi Samaasam (Possessive/Exocentric Compound): the compound refers to a third entity that possesses the quality described by the compound

•        Avyayibhaava Samaasam (Adverbial Compound): the first element is an indeclinable particle (avyayam), giving the whole compound an adverbial meaning

•        Samaasam Vigraha: splitting the compound and explaining the grammatical relationship between its components

Alankaaram (Figures of Speech)

•        Shabdaalankaaram (Sound-based Figures): figures of speech based on the sound of words

•        Anuprasaalankaaram (Alliteration): repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of consecutive words in a line of poetry

•        Yamakaalankaaram (Yamaka): the same word or syllable repeated in the same or nearby lines with different meanings

•        Arthaalankaaram (Meaning-based Figures): figures of speech based on the meaning of words

•        Upamaalaankaaram (Simile): comparing two unlike things using 'like', 'as', or 'pole'/'ennapole'

•        Roopakaalankaaram (Metaphor): direct identification of one thing with another without using 'like' or 'as'

•        Utprekshaalankaaram (Poetic Fancy/Fancy): imagining one thing as another for poetic effect

•        Athishayokthi (Hyperbole): deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or poetic effect

•        Manushyaaropam (Personification): attributing human qualities to non-human objects or natural phenomena

Vrutham (Poetic Metre)

•        Definition of Vrutham: the rhythmic and metrical structure of a poem; the pattern of syllable weight (guru = heavy/long; laghu = light/short) in each line

•        Aksharavrutham (Syllabic Metre): metre based on the number of syllables in each line; the most common form in modern Malayalam poetry

•        Maatraavrutham (Moraic Metre): metre based on the count of moras (maatra); short syllable = 1 maatra, long syllable = 2 maatras

•        Common Kerala/Malayalam metres: Aaryaa, Shaardoola Vikreeditham, Mandaaraantha, Sragdhara, Vasanthathilakam, Malini (classical Sanskrit-based metres used in traditional Malayalam poetry); Kalippaa and Pathinettaan Kazhcha (traditional indigenous Kerala metres)

•        Identifying the type of Vrutham in a given verse; counting syllables or maatras

Vocabulary (Shabdabhndaram)

•        Synonyms (Paryaayapada / Samaarthashabda) and antonyms (Virodhaartha Shabda) of common Malayalam words

•        One-word substitutions for phrases or descriptions in Malayalam

•        Idioms and proverbs (Pazhancholli and Priyas): meanings and use in sentences

•        Word formation: identifying roots (Dhatu), prefixes (Upsarga), and suffixes (Pratyaya) in Malayalam words

•        Tatsama words (Sanskrit-origin words used unchanged in Malayalam) and Tadbhava words (words derived from Sanskrit with phonological changes)

Section B: Prescribed Texts (40 Marks)

Candidates are required to answer four questions from ONLY two of the prescribed textbooks. All questions and answers must be written in Malayalam. The questions test understanding of the subject matter, themes, characters, and language of the prescribed texts.

Important: The list of prescribed textbooks is specified in Appendix I of the official CISCE Second Languages syllabus document. Students must confirm the exact prescribed texts with their school or by downloading the syllabus directly from www.cisce.org, as prescribed texts may be updated each session.

Types of Prescribed Texts

•        Prose anthology (Gadya Sankalan): a collection of prose pieces (essays, short stories, biographical sketches, travel writing) by notable Malayalam authors

•        Poetry anthology (Padya Sankalan / Kavitha Sangrahamu): a collection of poems by classical and modern Malayalam poets representing various literary periods and movements

•        A novel or supplementary reader may be prescribed as an additional text in some sessions

Authors and Literary Traditions in the Prescribed Texts

The prescribed texts typically include works from the following authors and traditions of Malayalam literature:

•        Thunchath Ezhuthachan: often called the 'Father of Malayalam literature'; his Adhyathmaramayanam Kilippattu initiated a new literary epoch

•        Kumaran Asan: romantic and progressive poet; known for Karuna and Veena Poovu (the lament of the flower); themes of compassion, social reform, and human suffering

•        Vallathol Narayana Menon: national poet; known for celebrating Kerala's culture, the Bharatapuzha river, and freedom themes

•        G. Sankara Kurup: first Jnanpith award winner in Malayalam; author of Odakkuzhal

•        O.N.V. Kurup: eminent modern poet; accessible and lyrical; themes of nature, love, and humanity

•        Changampuzha Krishna Pillai: romantic poet; known for Ramanan; themes of youth, loss, and the tragedy of unfulfilled love

•        S.K. Pottekkat, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai: major prose writers; their short stories explore the lives of ordinary people in Kerala with humanism and realism

•        O.V. Vijayan, M.T. Vasudevan Nair: celebrated modern prose writers; psychological depth, nostalgia, and social critique

Nature of Questions in Section B

•        Appreciation and explanation of passages or stanzas: explaining the meaning of a given passage or stanza in the student's own words (vyakhyanam)

•        Short answer questions: factual questions on content, characters, or events in the prescribed texts

•        Character analysis (Kutippattu): describing and evaluating the role, qualities, or significance of a character or persona

•        Thematic questions (Vishayavishleshanam): identifying and explaining the central theme, moral, or idea of a prose piece or poem

•        Context questions (Prasanga Jijnasa): identifying the speaker, context, and significance of a given quotation or stanza

•        Language appreciation: identifying and explaining Alankaaram (figures of speech) and Vrutham (poetic metre) in the poems

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

The internal assessment is conducted by the school throughout the academic year. Assessment is carried out by both the Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) and an External Examiner nominated by the Head of School.

Required Assignments for Class IX

2 to 3 assignments required. At least two must be written: one from the language component and one from the literature component.

Language Assignments (Class IX)

•        Creative writing (approximately 300 to 400 words) based on: a piece of recorded music; a recorded series of sounds; a picture or photograph; an opening sentence or phrase; a newspaper or magazine clipping

•        One piece of factual writing (informative or argumentative) in Malayalam

•        One piece of expressive writing (descriptive or imaginative) in Malayalam

•        A film or book review written in Malayalam

•        Aural assignment: listening to a conversation, talk, or short reading in Malayalam, then summarising the main points or answering given questions

Literature Assignments (Prescribed Texts)

•        Character analysis: essay on the character, role, or significance of a person from the prescribed prose text

•        Thematic analysis: exploring the central theme or message of a prescribed prose piece or poem

•        Socio-cultural or historical background: essay on the context of a prescribed work

•        Summary or paraphrase (Sarangsham or Vyakhyanam): summarising a prose piece or explaining a poem in the student's own words

Grading Criteria for Internal Assessment: Creative Writing

Grading Criteria for Internal Assessment: Literature (Prescribed Texts)

Preparation Tips for Students

For Section A: Language

•        Practise writing Malayalam compositions (rachana/upanyasam) on a variety of topics: nature, festivals, social issues, narratives, and descriptions. Focus on clear paragraphing, correct spelling, and idiomatic expression.

•        Practise both types of letters: formal (opikayal katthu) to authorities and editors; and informal (vyaktigata katthu) to relatives and friends. Memorise the correct Malayalam letter format.

•        Read a variety of unseen Malayalam prose passages and practise answering comprehension questions concisely and in complete Malayalam sentences.

•        Revise all grammar topics: Vibhakti (all eight cases with their Malayalam suffixes and postpositions), Samaasam and Vigraha, Sandhi and Vigraha, Alankaaram (Shabdaalankaaram and Arthaalankaaram), Vrutham (Aksharavrutham and Maatraavrutham), Vakya Parivartan (active/passive, direct/indirect), and Kriyanaamam and Krudanta Roopangal.

•        Maintain a vocabulary notebook: record new Malayalam words, synonyms, antonyms, idioms (priyangal), proverbs (pazhancholli), and Tatsama/Tadbhava words.

For Section B: Prescribed Texts

•        Read all prescribed prose pieces and poems thoroughly and repeatedly. Do not rely on summaries alone.

•        For each prose piece (gadyam): note the central idea, key events, characters, and the author's message or social commentary.

•        For each poem (kavitha): understand the theme, imagery, Alankaaram, Vrutham, and the poet's message. Be able to explain individual stanzas (padyabhagam).

•        Study the authors and their literary context: understand the major literary movements (Bhakti poetry tradition, Romantic movement, Renaissance of Malayalam literature, modern realism) and where each prescribed author fits.

•        Practise context questions (Prasanga Jijnasa): identify who is speaking, to whom, in what context, and the significance of the quoted passage.

•        Write practice answers in Malayalam; focus on accuracy, clarity, and relevant use of textual examples.

•        Solve ICSE Malayalam previous year question papers to understand the style and format of questions.

Official Source and Further Reference

The complete and authoritative syllabus for ICSE Malayalam (Second Language) for Classes IX and X is published by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on their official website. The list of prescribed textbooks (Appendix I) must be confirmed directly from CISCE.