In short: ICSE Class 10 has three separate Science papers — Physics (80 marks), Chemistry (80 marks), and Biology (80 marks). Each paper has 20 marks for internal assessment. This guide covers chapter-wise weightage for all three subjects.
ICSE Science Paper Structure
| Subject | Theory | Internal Assessment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Chemistry | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Biology | 80 | 20 | 100 |
Exam Duration: 2 hours each
Physics Weightage (80 Marks)
Paper Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | 10 compulsory short questions | 10 × 1 = 10 |
| Section B | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 2 = 14 |
| Section C | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 3 = 21 |
| Section D | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Section E | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Practical | 1 question | 5 |
| Total | 80 |
Chapter-wise Weightage
| Chapter | Topics | Marks | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force, Work, Power, Energy | Turning effect, Equilibrium, Work-Energy theorem | 12-15 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Machines | Levers, Pulleys, MA, VR, Efficiency | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Refraction of Light | Lenses, Prism, Total internal reflection | 10-12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spectrum | Dispersion, Electromagnetic spectrum | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
| Sound | Reflection, Echo, Characteristics | 6-8 | ⭐⭐ |
| Current Electricity | Ohm's law, Circuits, Power | 12-15 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Electrical Power and Household Circuits | Fuse, Earthing, Safety | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
| Electromagnetism | Magnetic effect, Motor, Generator | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Heat | Calorimetry, Latent heat | 6-8 | ⭐⭐ |
| Radioactivity | Nuclear reactions, Uses | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
Most Important Topics
- Lens formula and numericals — 5-8 marks guaranteed
- Ohm's law and circuit problems — 5-8 marks
- Work, Energy, Power numericals — 5-7 marks
- Machines (Pulley, Lever) — 5-7 marks
- Electromagnetic induction — 4-6 marks
Chemistry Weightage (80 Marks)
Paper Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | 10 compulsory short questions | 10 × 1 = 10 |
| Section B | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 2 = 14 |
| Section C | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 3 = 21 |
| Section D | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Section E | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Practical | 1 question | 5 |
| Total | 80 |
Chapter-wise Weightage
| Chapter | Topics | Marks | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periodic Table | Periodicity, Groups, Periods | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chemical Bonding | Ionic, Covalent, Electrovalency | 6-8 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acids, Bases, Salts | Properties, pH, Indicators | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Analytical Chemistry | Action of acids on salts, Tests | 6-8 | ⭐⭐ |
| Mole Concept | Calculations, Stoichiometry | 10-12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Electrolysis | Electrochemical cells, Applications | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Metallurgy | Extraction, Alloys | 6-8 | ⭐⭐ |
| Study of Compounds | Ammonia, Nitric acid, Sulphuric acid | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Organic Chemistry | Hydrocarbons, Functional groups | 10-12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Most Important Topics
- Mole concept and stoichiometry — 10-12 marks
- Organic Chemistry (IUPAC, reactions) — 8-10 marks
- Electrolysis numericals — 6-8 marks
- Periodic Table trends — 6-8 marks
- Preparation of compounds (HNO₃, H₂SO₄, NH₃) — 6-8 marks
💡 Tip: ICSE Science requires deep understanding of concepts. Use Padhaao's Lecture mode for detailed explanations. Try Free →
Practice ICSE Physics on Padhaao
AI tutor with 10 learning modes · Quiz, Flashcards, Exam Practice & more · 3 free chapters daily
Biology Weightage (80 Marks)
Paper Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | 10 compulsory short questions | 10 × 1 = 10 |
| Section B | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 2 = 14 |
| Section C | 10 questions (attempt 7) | 7 × 3 = 21 |
| Section D | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Section E | 5 questions (attempt 3) | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| Practical | 1 question | 5 |
| Total | 80 |
Chapter-wise Weightage
| Chapter | Topics | Marks | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Division | Mitosis, Meiosis, Cell cycle | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genetics | Mendel's laws, Inheritance | 10-12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Human Evolution | Stages, Evidence | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
| Absorption by Roots | Osmosis, Diffusion, Transpiration | 6-8 | ⭐⭐ |
| Photosynthesis | Process, Factors, Experiments | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chemical Coordination | Hormones, Endocrine glands | 6-8 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Circulatory System | Heart, Blood, Circulation | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Excretory System | Nephron, Urine formation | 6-8 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nervous System | Brain, Reflex arc, Eye, Ear | 10-12 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reproductive System | Human reproduction, Menstrual cycle | 8-10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Population | Growth, Control measures | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
| Pollution | Types, Effects, Control | 4-6 | ⭐⭐ |
Most Important Topics
- Nervous System (Brain, Eye, Ear diagrams) — 10-12 marks
- Genetics (Monohybrid, Dihybrid crosses) — 8-10 marks
- Cell Division (Mitosis vs Meiosis) — 6-8 marks
- Circulatory System (Heart structure, Blood) — 6-8 marks
- Excretory System (Nephron diagram) — 5-7 marks
Important Diagrams for ICSE Science
Physics Diagrams
- Lens ray diagrams (all 6 cases)
- Prism and dispersion
- Electric motor
- AC generator
- Domestic wiring circuit
Chemistry Diagrams
- Electrolytic cell
- Laboratory preparation setups (HNO₃, H₂SO₄, NH₃)
- Periodic table trends
Biology Diagrams
- Human brain (sagittal section)
- Human eye
- Human ear
- Human heart
- Nephron
- Flower (L.S.)
- Mitosis and Meiosis stages
Comparison: ICSE vs CBSE Science
| Aspect | ICSE | CBSE |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 3 separate (Phy, Chem, Bio) | 1 combined Science |
| Total Marks | 300 (100 each) | 100 |
| Depth | More detailed | Moderate |
| Numericals | More emphasis | Balanced |
| Diagrams | Very important | Important |
| Practical | 20 marks each | 20 marks total |
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
Physics
- Master numericals — Practice 20+ problems per chapter
- Learn derivations — Lens formula, mirror formula
- Draw neat diagrams — Ray diagrams, circuits
- Focus on units — Always write units in answers
Chemistry
- Mole concept — Practice stoichiometry daily
- Equations — Balance and learn conditions
- Organic Chemistry — IUPAC naming, reactions
- Periodic trends — Make comparison tables
Biology
- Diagrams — Practice daily, label correctly
- Differences — Mitosis vs Meiosis, Arteries vs Veins
- Processes — Photosynthesis, Respiration, Excretion
- Genetics — Punnett squares, ratios
Month-wise Study Plan
| Month | Focus |
|---|---|
| October | Complete syllabus revision |
| November | Chapter-wise practice, Diagrams |
| December | Previous year papers |
| January | Mock tests, Weak areas |
| February | Final revision, Formula sheets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ICSE Science harder than CBSE?
ICSE goes deeper into concepts and has more numericals. However, with proper preparation, scoring is equally achievable in both boards.
How to score 90+ in all three Science papers?
- Complete NCERT + ICSE textbook thoroughly
- Practice previous 10 years' papers
- Focus on diagrams (10-15 marks in each paper)
- Master numericals in Physics and Chemistry
- Write answers in points, not paragraphs
Which chapters overlap across subjects?
- Electricity (Physics) relates to Electrolysis (Chemistry)
- Light (Physics) relates to Eye (Biology)
- Radioactivity (Physics) relates to Mutations (Biology)
Practice on Padhaao
ICSE Class 10 Science chapters available with:
- Quiz Mode — Subject-wise MCQ practice
- Exam Practice — ICSE-style papers
- Notes Mode — Detailed explanations
- Doubt Solver — Instant help
Pricing:
- Free: 3 chapters/day
- Pro: ₹21/month (annual) — unlimited access
Start ICSE Science Practice — Free →
Related Guides
₹21/mo (annual plan)
Padhaao covers every ICSE Physics chapter
1,183 chapters across all subjects. 25 lakh+ students. Pro from ₹21/month (annual plan).
Practice ICSE Physics chapters with AI
Every chapter from your syllabus. 10 learning modes. 3 free every day.
Start Physics