The ICSE Class 10 Biology syllabus for 2025-26 is structured to engage students in an in-depth study of biology, incorporating both foundational and advanced concepts. The curriculum includes sections on cellular biology, plant physiology, genetics, human anatomy, and environmental issues like pollution and conservation. Emphasis is placed on understanding through practical experiments, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge effectively. This approach not only prepares students for academic success but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the living world and scientific inquiry.
ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2025-26
The ICSE Class 10 Biology syllabus for 2025-26 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core biology concepts, including human physiology, plant biology, genetics, evolution, and environmental science. This syllabus combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help students gain a holistic view of life sciences. Key topics include cell division, genetics, plant physiology, human anatomy, and pollution, alongside hands-on practical experiments to strengthen observation and analytical skills. With an exam pattern emphasizing both knowledge and practical application, the syllabus prepares students to think critically and apply biological concepts in real-life contexts.
ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2026: Overview
The ICSE Class 10 Biology syllabus for 2025-26 emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It spans critical topics in biology, including human anatomy, plant physiology, genetics, environmental science, and evolution. This syllabus equips students with a strong foundation for further study in the sciences and encourages critical thinking and analytical skills through practical experiments.
Examination Structure
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 100 marks (80 marks for the written paper, 20 marks for internal assessment in practical work)
- Sections of the Paper:
- Section I (40 marks): This section contains compulsory short-answer questions covering the entire syllabus. It tests students’ broad understanding of various biology topics.
- Section II (40 marks): This section offers six questions, from which students must answer any four. Each question requires more detailed responses, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in specific areas.
Detailed ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2026
1. Basic Biology
- Cell Cycle and Cell Division:
- Covers the cell cycle phases, including interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase.
- Explains mitosis stages and an overview of meiosis, focusing on its role as a reduction division.
- Key differences between mitosis and meiosis are discussed, along with the concept of homologous chromosomes and the importance of crossing over.
- Structure of Chromosomes:
- Discusses basic chromosome structure and essential terms like chromatin, chromatids, genes, DNA structure, and centromere.
- Genetics:
- Explores Mendel’s laws of inheritance and sex-linked inheritance.
- Concepts like monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, gene, allele, dominance, and mutation are introduced.
- Sex determination in humans is also discussed, along with X-linked diseases like haemophilia and color blindness.
2. Plant Physiology
- Transpiration:
- Covers the importance of transpiration to plants and associated experiments.
- Topics include the potassium ion exchange theory, adaptations in plants, guttation, and bleeding.
- Absorption by Roots:
- Explains water absorption mechanisms, including osmosis, root pressure, and active/passive transport.
- Provides insights into forces like cohesion, adhesion, and transpirational pull in the ascent of sap.
- Photosynthesis:
- Emphasizes the significance of photosynthesis for life, explaining the internal structure of chloroplasts.
- Describes the light and dark reactions, the roles of chlorophyll, and factors necessary for photosynthesis.
- Chemical Coordination in Plants:
- A general study of plant growth regulators such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene.
- Covers tropic movements (e.g., phototropism, geotropism) with examples.
3. Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Circulatory System:
- Discusses blood composition, blood vessels, heart structure, and the concept of double circulation.
- Includes brief topics on blood pressure, pulse, and the lymphatic system.
- Excretory System:
- Overview of excretory organs, kidney structure, and nephron function.
- Describes ultra-filtration and selective reabsorption.
- Nervous System:
- Introduces neuron structure, the brain, spinal cord, reflex actions, and voluntary versus involuntary actions.
- Covers sense organs such as the eye and ear, including defects and corrective measures.
- Endocrine System:
- Discusses major endocrine glands (adrenal, pancreas, thyroid, pituitary) and their hormonal functions.
- Includes hypo and hypersecretion effects and the feedback mechanism.
- Reproductive System:
- Covers male and female reproductive organs, menstrual cycle, fertilization, and functions of the placenta.
4. Population
- Population Growth and Control:
- Examines causes of population growth, problems resulting from overpopulation, and control measures.
- Terms like demography, population density, birth rate, and growth rate are defined.
5. Pollution
- Types of Pollution and Effects:
- Discusses types of pollution (air, water, thermal, soil, noise) and effects on health and the environment.
- Emphasis is placed on biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and climate issues like global warming.
- Pollution Control Measures:
- Explores measures like social forestry, sewage treatment, organic farming, and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign for a cleaner India.
6. Human Evolution
- Theories of Evolution:
- Provides an introduction to theories by Lamarck and Darwin, with examples of adaptation (e.g., the peppered moth).
- Human Ancestors:
- Briefly describes ancestors like Australopithecus and Neanderthals, focusing on physical and behavioral traits such as bipedalism and cranial capacity.
Practical Assessment in Biology
Practical work is integral to the syllabus, with experiments to develop students’ skills in observation, analysis, and data interpretation.
| Practical Work | Experiments and Topics |
|---|---|
| Plant Life | Observation of mitosis stages, diffusion (potassium permanganate in water), osmosis (Thistle funnel, potato osmoscope) |
| Transpiration demonstration (Bell jar, cobalt chloride paper, Ganong’s potometer) | |
| Photosynthesis | Experiments to show the necessity of light, CO2, and chlorophyll for photosynthesis |
| Animal Life | Identification of blood cells, internal structure of the ear, eye, endocrine glands (adrenal, pancreas, thyroid, pituitary) |
Grading Criteria
- Preparation and Execution: Following instructions, familiarity with materials, and safe use of apparatus.
- Observation and Data Recording: Ability to record data independently, recognize variables, and follow systematic methods.
- Inference and Results: Drawing conclusions, processing data without errors, and suggesting modifications if needed.
- Presentation: Accuracy, organization, and use of appropriate techniques for presenting work.
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Grade I (4 Marks) | Completes all tasks independently, follows instructions accurately, records systematically, and presents data effectively. |
| Grade II (3 Marks) | Follows steps accurately with minimal guidance, records relevant observations, and draws consistent conclusions. |
| Grade III (2 Marks) | Requires assistance with certain tasks, records observations with a format, but may show inconsistencies in presentation. |
| Grade IV (1 Mark) | Needs significant guidance, shows limited awareness, and has difficulty organizing data. |
| Grade V (0 Marks) | Fails to follow instructions, unable to complete tasks or present data accurately. |
ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2025-26 PDF Download
The complete syllabus, including practical assessment criteria, is available for students to download in PDF format. This ensures easy access and helps students review their coursework and prepare for both theory and practical exams. Downloading the syllabus in PDF allows students to stay organized and focused on each segment of the curriculum.
ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus -Click Here To Download PDF
FAQs Based on ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus 2025-26
1. What is the exam pattern for ICSE Class 10 Biology?
There is one written paper of 2 hours duration carrying 80 marks.
Internal Assessment/Practical Work carries 20 marks.
The written paper has two sections:
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Section I: Short answer questions (compulsory) – 40 marks.
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Section II: Long answer / choice-based questions – 40 marks.
2. What are the main units/topics in the Class 10 Biology syllabus?
The syllabus broadly includes:
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Basic Biology
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Cell cycle, cell division, structure of chromosome
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Mendel’s laws and genetics (including sex-linked inheritance)
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Plant Physiology
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Absorption by roots, transpiration, photosynthesis
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Chemical coordination in plants
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Human Anatomy & Physiology
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Circulatory, excretory, nervous, endocrine, reproductive systems
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Population
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Human population explosion and control measures
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Human Evolution
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Introduction and theories of evolution
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Pollution
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Types, sources, effects, control of pollution; biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes
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3. Are practicals part of the Biology exam?
Yes. Practical/ Internal Assessment is 20 marks total:
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10 marks for assessment by the subject teacher
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10 marks for assessment by external examiner.
It tests observation, experimental skills, and interpretation.
4. How important are definitions and diagrams?
Very important — Biology in ICSE often tests understanding through definitions, labeled diagrams, and interpretation of processes (e.g., photosynthesis, cell division), so practice both theory and clear diagrams regularly.
5. Will questions be only from the syllabus topics?
Yes — the board sets questions strictly from the topics listed in the official syllabus for the year. Focus on each section carefully as per the syllabus. External resources can help but priority should be given to syllabus topics.
6. Should I prepare all sub-topics like experiments and processes?
Absolutely. Experiments and processes (e.g., potometer use, photosynthesis tests) are frequently asked in practical and theory sections. Understanding the steps and outcomes is essential.
7. What’s the best way to study Biology for boards?
Study section-wise: Break down by units (e.g., plant physiology vs human physiology).
Make short notes: Key terms, processes, diagrams.
Practice past papers: Helps understand wording and exam patterns.
Revise regularly: Biology has many interlinked concepts.
8. Is the syllabus changed from last year?
For 2025-26, there are no major removals or additions compared to recent syllabi — students should focus on full syllabus coverage.
9. How many marks are allocated to each section?
Theory Paper: 80 marks
Internal Assessment/Practicals: 20 marks
Total: 100 marks for the subject.
10. Should I rely only on the textbook?
The ICSE textbook (like Selina Concise Biology) aligned with the syllabus is excellent. Also refer to notes & past board questions to understand frequently asked formats and high-yield topics.
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