The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025–26 is designed to strengthen students’ language skills, critical thinking, and literary appreciation. It focuses on developing proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a balanced study of English Language and English Literature. Students engage with prose, poetry, and drama, enhancing their understanding of themes, characters, and writing styles. The syllabus also emphasizes grammar, composition, and comprehension to improve effective communication. Overall, it aims to build confidence, creativity, and clarity of expression, preparing students for higher academic studies and real-life communication challenges.
ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26
The ICSE Class 10 English exam has two papers: English Language and Literature in English, each for 80 marks. Paper-1 covers composition (300-350 words), formal/informal letter, notice & email, unseen passage with summary, and functional grammar questions. Paper-2 (Literature) is based on Julius Caesar (Acts III, IV & V) and the Treasure Chest anthology, including short stories like With the Photographer and The Last Lesson, plus poems such as When Great Trees Fall and The Power of Music. Internal assessments for language and literature add marks as per CISCE guidelines.
ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus PDF
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the updated English syllabus for the 2025-26 academic year. This guide includes both the syllabus and the exam pattern for Class 10 English. Understanding the structure of the papers is crucial for effective preparation.
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ICSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2025-26
The ICSE English exam includes two papers:
| Paper | Subject Name | Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | English Language | 80 | 2 Hours |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | ||
| Paper 2 | Literature in English | 80 | 2 Hours |
| Internal Assessment | 20 |
ICSE Class 10 Syllabus for English Language (Paper 1)
The English Language paper includes five compulsory questions designed to test various language skills:
Question 1: Composition Writing
- Write a composition of 300–350 words based on a choice of topics.
- Skills tested include organizing, describing, narrating, reporting, explaining, persuading, and comparing ideas.
- The topic may include suggestions for content, but students are free to approach it creatively.
- Evaluation focuses on subject matter, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and spelling.
Question 2: Letter Writing
- Write a letter (formal or informal) from a choice of topics.
- The letter should include proper layout, address, introduction, and conclusion.
- Marks will be awarded for correct format and vocabulary suited to the context.
Question 3: Notice and Email Writing
- Create a notice based on given directions.
- Write an email on the same content as the notice.
Question 4: Comprehension Passage
- An unseen prose passage of about 450 words will be provided.
- Questions will test vocabulary and comprehension, including understanding explicit details, inferring meaning, and summarizing the passage.
- A summary question will require identifying and rewriting key points.
Question 5: Functional Grammar
- Short-answer questions on grammar, focusing on correct use of prepositions, verbs, and sentence transformation.
ICSE Class 10 Syllabus for Literature in English (Paper 2)
The Literature paper includes questions on Drama, Prose (Short Stories), and Poetry based on the prescribed texts.
Drama and Prose:
- Questions will focus on central themes, characters, and passages from the texts.
- Students should provide interpretations in their own words, relevant to the text.
Poetry:
- Questions will assess understanding, content, and personal responses to the poems.
- Passages from poems may also be provided for analysis.
Prescribed Syllabus for Literature in English (Paper 2)
Drama
- The Merchant of Venice (Acts 3, 4, & 5) – Unabridged play by A.W. Verity.
Poetry (from Treasure Trove)
- Daffodils – William Wordsworth
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
- The Patriot – Robert Browning
- Abu Ben Adhem – Leigh Hunt
- Nine Gold Medals – David Roth
Prose (Short Stories) (from Treasure Trove)
- An Angel in Disguise – T.S. Arthur
- The Little Match Girl – Hans Christian Andersen
- The Blue Bead – Norah Burke
- My Greatest Olympic Prize – Jesse Owens
- All Summer in a Day – Ray Douglas Bradbury
Internal Assessments
Paper 1: English Language
Schools will evaluate students on Listening and Speaking Skills through two assessments during the year.
- Listening Skills (10 Marks):
- A passage of about 300 words will be read aloud twice.
- Students will answer objective questions based on the passage.
- Speaking Skills (10 Marks):
- Students will give a 2-minute oral presentation followed by a discussion.
- Topics may include narrating experiences, expressing opinions, giving directions, or describing events.
Paper 2: Literature in English
- Schools will assess students based on written assignments (total length not exceeding 1500 words).
- The assignments will be evaluated by both internal (10 Marks) and external examiners (10 Marks).
Best Books to Cover ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26
List of high-quality books to effectively cover the ICSE Class 10 English (2025-26) syllabus, including both Language (Paper-1) and Literature (Paper-2) areas — ideal for thorough preparation and board success:
Top Recommended Books for ICSE Class 10 English
1. Total English for Class 10 (Textbook + Practice)
A complete text-cum-practice book that covers language, grammar, comprehension, writing skills and practice questions aligned with the updated ICSE syllabus. It’s widely used and recommended by students and schools.
2. i-Succeed ICSE 2026 – English Language (Paper-1)
Focus: Language section — comprehension, grammar, creative & transactional writing.
Features:
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10 board-style sample question papers
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Solved specimen and 2025 board paper
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Designed according to the latest ICSE pattern
This helps build language skills and exam-writing confidence.
3. i-Succeed ICSE 2026 – Literature in English (Paper-2)
Focus: Prose, poetry and drama texts from the literature syllabus.
Features:
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10 sample papers with detailed council-style answers
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Chapter summaries and rapid revision sheets
A great choice for understanding themes, character sketches and improving answers for literature questions.
4. Arihant / Oswaal Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Banks
These books compile past years’ solved papers, chapterwise practice and specimen papers — essential for exam pattern familiarity and revision. Examples include:
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ICSE English Language Chapter-wise Question Bank (Arihant)
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ICSE Question Bank English-1 Solved Papers (Oswaal) with topic-wise practice and exam-style questions.
Why these help: Repeated board questions help you spot trends and boost accuracy under exam conditions.
5. Oswaal ICSE Sample Question Papers – English Literature (Paper-2)
A dedicated practice book with solved papers, expert tips, mind-maps and self-assessment papers to improve speed and accuracy, tailored to the updated ICSE Literature pattern.
Additional Helpful Guides (Optional)
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Almond Books English Creative Writing Skills: for strengthening writing and composition practice.
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Almond Books Treasure Chest – Poems & Short Stories: a focused workbook for literature texts (helps with understanding themes & questions).
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Evergreen ICSE Self-Study in English Language: another language practice option, especially for grammar and writing.
How to Use These Books Effectively
Language (Paper-1):
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Start with Total English for clear fundamentals.
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Use i-Succeed Language for regular board-pattern practice.
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Solve question bank papers (Arihant / Oswaal) to master patterns.
Literature (Paper-2):
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Read and annotate your prescribed texts first.
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Use i-Succeed Literature and Oswaal Sample Papers for insights on how to frame high-scoring answers.
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Workbook guides (Almond Books) can help clarify difficult poems/stories.
FAQs
1. What are the main components of the ICSE Class 10 English syllabus for 2025–26?
The English syllabus is divided into two main papers:
Paper I – English Language: Tests grammar, comprehension, writing skills (composition, letter, notice, e-mail).
Paper II – Literature in English: Tests understanding of prescribed texts — drama, short stories and poetry.
2. How long are the English board exams and what is the marking scheme?
Each paper (Language & Literature) is 2 hours long and carries 80 marks in the board exam.
Additionally, there is internal assessment (listening, speaking, and literature assignments) carried out by schools.
3. What topics are included in Paper I – English Language?
Paper I typically includes:
Composition (300–350 words) — narrative, descriptive, argumentative, discursive, etc.
Letter Writing — formal or informal letters with proper format.
Notice & E-mail Writing — notice followed by an e-mail on the same content.
Unseen Passage — comprehension questions, vocabulary, and summary.
Functional Grammar — tenses, prepositions, voice, direct/indirect speech, sentence transformation.
4. Which books/sections are prescribed for Paper II – Literature in English?
The literature paper typically includes:
Drama: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (selected Acts).
Prose/Short Stories: Stories like With the Photographer, The Elevator, The Girl Who Can, etc.
Poetry: Poems such as Haunted Houses, The Glove and the Lions, When Great Trees Fall, and others.
5. Are there any internal assessments for English?
Yes. Internal assessments usually include:
• Listening and Speaking Skills for the English Language.
• Assignments/ Projects related to literature (e.g., essays, projects on texts).
These are graded by teachers during the academic year and contribute to final marks.
6. Is the syllabus for 2025–26 very different from previous years?
No major changes have been announced for the 2025–26 syllabus compared to past years — the structure and texts remain largely consistent. Students should follow the latest syllabus published by CISCE.
7. How should students prepare to score well in English?
English Language Tips:
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Practice different letter formats and compositions.
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Improve grammar and editing skills.
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Read unseen passages regularly.
English Literature Tips: -
Read and understand plots, themes, characters, and key quotes from your texts.
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Practice answers in your own words, focusing on precise explanations.
(This guidance reflects common successful strategies used by students).
8. Where can I download the official syllabus PDF?
You can often find the ICSE Class 10 English syllabus PDF on educational portals and the official CISCE website. Schools and coaching sites also provide downloadable versions aligned with the board syllabus.
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