ICSE Class 9 Physical Education Syllabus 2026-27

Physical Education (Subject Code 72) is an elective subject offered under Group III of the ICSE Class 9 curriculum. It combines theoretical knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and sports science with practical skills in games and physical activities. Students study the body systems in detail, learn the rules and techniques of their chosen sports, and develop physical fitness through school-assessed practical work.

The subject carries 200 marks in total: 100 marks for a written theory paper and 100 marks for internal (practical) assessment. The Class IX theory paper covers the Class IX portion of the combined Classes IX and X syllabus; the Class X ICSE Board Examination tests the full combined syllabus.

Exam at a Glance

Section A: Human Anatomy and Physiology — Key Topics

Section A is compulsory and covers four body systems (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory) plus the theory of games and sports.

1. Skeletal System

•       Bone identification: Cranium, Vertebrae, Scapula, Clavicle, Ribs, Sternum, Humerus, Radius, Ulna, Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges, Pelvis, Femur, Patella, Fibula, Tibia, Tarsals, Metatarsals

•       Functions: Framework and support, movement, protection of vital organs, mineral storage, blood cell production

•       Joint types: Fixed/fibrous (skull); Slightly movable/cartilaginous (vertebrae); Freely movable/synovial (wrist, ankle, shoulder, neck)

•       Joint movements: Hinge joint (flexion and extension); Pivot joint (rotation); Ball and socket joint (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, rotation); Saddle joint (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, circumduction)

•       Benefits of exercise: Increases flexibility, makes bones stronger, strengthens joints, promotes good posture, contributes to a healthy lifestyle

2. Muscular System

•       Types of muscles: Voluntary/skeletal muscles (conscious control); Involuntary/smooth muscles (internal organs); Cardiac muscle (heart); Isometric contraction (muscle contracts without shortening); Isotonic contraction (muscle contracts and shortens)

•       Muscles to identify: Latissimus dorsi, Deltoid, Rotator cuffs, Pectorals, Biceps, Triceps, Abdominals, Hip flexors, Gluteals, Hamstring group, Quadriceps group, Gastrocnemius, Tibialis anterior

•       Benefits of exercise: Increases strength, endurance and power; better neuromuscular coordination; improves posture; enhances flexibility; decreases chances of injury

3. Respiratory System

•       Pathway of air: Mouth/nose → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Diaphragm → Lungs → Alveoli

•       Mechanics of breathing: External respiration (O₂ in, CO₂ out); diffusion of gases in the alveoli; internal respiration (cellular respiration)

•       Key terms: Oxygen debt (extra O₂ needed after intense exercise); lactic acid accumulation (anaerobic fatigue); second wind (physiological adjustment during prolonged exercise); tidal volume (one normal breath ≈ 500mL); vital capacity (maximum air after deepest breath)

•       Benefits of exercise: Increase in tidal volume; stronger respiratory muscles; increased aerobic endurance; faster recovery after physical activity

4. Circulatory System

•       Heart structure: Right atrium (receives deoxygenated blood from body); Left atrium (receives oxygenated blood from lungs); Right ventricle (pumps to lungs); Left ventricle (pumps to body); Arteries (away from heart); Veins (toward heart); Capillaries (exchange site)

•       Key terms: Heart rate (beats per minute); stroke volume (volume per beat, ≈70mL); cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume (≈5 L/min at rest)

•       Blood circulation: Pulmonary circuit (right side → lungs → left side); systemic circuit (left ventricle → body → right atrium)

•       Blood components: Plasma (transport medium); red blood cells (haemoglobin, carry O₂); white blood cells (immunity); platelets (clotting)

•       Blood groups: A, B, AB (universal recipient), O (universal donor); Rh factor (positive/negative)

•       Blood pressure: Systolic (heart contracting, ≈120 mmHg) / diastolic (heart relaxing, ≈80 mmHg)

•       Benefits of exercise: Larger, stronger heart; lower resting heart rate; reduced cardiovascular disease risk; increased haemoglobin; faster pulse recovery

5. Games and Sports — Psychological and Social Benefits

•       Difference: Sports = physically demanding, formally competitive, governed by rules; Games = structured recreational activity, often less physically demanding

•       Psychological benefits: Builds confidence, emotional control, competitive spirit, positive attitude, resilience, self-esteem

•       Social benefits: Camaraderie, cooperation, teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play, leadership, time management, respect for authority

Section B: Games and Sports (Choose Two)

For each chosen game, the syllabus covers: knowledge of the game, rules/laws (with field/court diagram and measurements), fundamental skills and technique, terminology, national and international governing bodies, and national and international tournaments.

Internal Assessment (100 Marks)

The internal assessment is fully school-based and focuses on the student's physical performance and participation. A minimum of five practical assignments are required for Class IX.

Six Physical Efficiency Tests (Appendix A)

Teacher Assessment Breakdown (50 Marks)

Quick Preparation Tips

•       Section A: Draw and label diagrams of the skeleton, heart, and respiratory system. For each body system, know the structure names, their functions, and the benefits of exercise. These are the most consistently tested topics.

•       Section B -- Games: For your two chosen games, learn the field/court diagram and measurements, equipment specifications, officials and their duties, all restart procedures, and all foul/penalty types. The terminology list is frequently tested -- go through every term.

•       Governing bodies: Know the full name and abbreviation of all national and international governing bodies for your two games. These are guaranteed marks.

•       Tournaments: Know the names of all national and international tournaments for your two games.

•       Physical Efficiency Tests: Train for all six tests. Use the Appendix A table to know exactly what time/distance/reps corresponds to each mark, then set those as your training targets.

•       Specialisation Test: Choose the activity you are strongest in and practise the exact events or asanas that the External Examiner will test. Know the grading criteria for your chosen specialisation.

•       Past papers: Solve previous ICSE Physical Education papers to understand question depth, answer format, and time management.