CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus - Free PDF Download
CISCE Syllabus 2026-27 ICSE Class 10 : The CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus for the examination year 2026-27 has been released by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, CISCE. The board will hold the final examination at the end of the year following the annual assessment scheme, which has led to the release of the syllabus. The 2026-27 CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Board Exam will entirely be based on the most recent syllabus. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand the new CISCE syllabus to prepare for their annual exam properly.
The detailed CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus for 2026-27 is below.
Academic year:
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Revised Syllabus
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Course Structure 2026-27 With Marking Scheme
| # | Unit/Topic | Marks | Marks with options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Biology | 24 | |
| 1 | Cell - The Structural and Functional Unit of Life | ||
| 2 | Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell Division | ||
| 3 | Genetics | ||
| 2 | Plant Physiology | 22 | |
| 4 | Absorption by Roots | ||
| 5 | Transpiration | ||
| 6 | Photosynthesis | ||
| 7 | Chemical Coordination in Plants | ||
| 3 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 48 | |
| 8 | Circulatory System | ||
| 9 | Excretory System | ||
| 10 | Nervous System | ||
| 11 | Endocrine System | ||
| 12 | The Reproductive System | ||
| 4 | Population | 1 | |
| 13 | Population | ||
| 5 | Human Evolution | 6 | |
| 14 | Human Evolution | ||
| 6 | Pollution | 8 | |
| 15 | Pollution | ||
| 7 | Physical Health and Hygiene | ||
| 7.1 | Health Organisations | ||
| 7.2 | Aids to Health | ||
| Total | - | - |
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Syllabus
1: Basic Biology [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
1 Cell - The Structural and Functional Unit of Life [Revision]
- Cell: Structural and Functional Unit of Life
- Key Points: Cell
- Organisms Show Variety in Cell Number, Shape and Size
- Definition: Unicellular Organisms
- Definition: Multicellular Organisms
- Key Points: Number, Size, and Shape of Cells
- Structure of the Cell > Plasma Membrane / Cell Membrane
- Key Points: Cell Membrane
- Structure of the Cell > Cell Wall: “Supporter and Protector”
- Key Points: Cell Wall
- Structure of the Cell > Cytoplasm: “Area of Movement”
- Introduction
- Definition: Cytosol
- Key Points: Cytoplasm
- Structure of the Cell > Nucleus: “Brain” of the Cell
- Introduction
- Experiment
- Definition: Chromatin Fibres
- Key Points: Nucleus
- Cell Organelles
- Introduction
- Definition: Organelles
- Definition: Protoplasm or Protoplast
- Definition: Cell Inclusions
- Key Points: Cell Organelles
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- Introduction
- Functions of ER
- Key Points: Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- Mitochondria - “Power House of the Cell”
- Introduction
- Functions of Mitochondria
- Key Points: Mitochondria
- Golgi Apparatus - "The delivery system of the cell"
- Introduction
- Functions of Golgi Apparatus
- Key Points: Golgi Apparatus
- Ribosomes - "The sites of protein synthesis"
- Key Points: Ribosomes
- Lysosome - “Suicidal Bag”
- Introduction
- Functions of Lysosomes
- Key Points: Lysosomes
- Centrosome and Centrioles
- Key Points: Centrosome
- Plastids
- Key Points: Plastids
- Non-living Substances Or Cell Inclusion
- Cell Inclusion
- Granule
- Vacuole
- Functions of Vacuole
- Key Points: Vacuoles & Granules
- Plant Cell Vs Animal Cell
- Microscopic Examination of Onion Peel
2 Structure of Chromosomes, Cell Cycle and Cell Division [Revision]
- Chromosomes - The Carriers of Heredity
- Discovery of Chromosomes
- Definition: Chromosomes
- Definition: Chromatin
- Definition: Centromere
- Definition: Chromatid
- Definition: Sister Chromatids
- Definition: Homologous Chromosomes
- Introduction
- Variation in Chromosome Number (ploidy)
- Structure of a Chromosome
- Key Points: Chromosomes
- Chromatin
- Key Concept: Chromatin
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
- Histone Proteins
- Definition: Histones
- Definition: Nucleosomes
- Key Points: Histone Proteins & DNA Packaging
- Structure of Chromosomes
- Genes and Genetic
- Definition: Genes
- Definition: Genetics
- Definition: Genome
- Need for New Cells
- Key Points: Need for New Cells
- Types of Chromosomes
- DNA Fingerprinting
- Cell Theory
- Cell Cycle - "Divide, Grow and Redivide"
- Definition: Cell Cycle
- Key Points: Cell Cycle
- Cell Division: an Essential Life Process
- Mitosis > Karyokinesis (Division of Nucleus)
- Mitosis > Cytokinesis (Division of Cytoplasm)
- Comparison of Mitosis in Plant and Animal Cells
- Significance of Mitosis
- Meiosis: Reduction Division
- Stages of Meiosis: Meiosis I
- Stages of Meiosis: Meiosis II
- Significance of Meiosis
- Mitochondria and Chloroplasts in Cell Division
- Mitosis Vs Meiosis
- Comparison between different stages during Mitosis and Meiosis
3 Genetics [Revision]
- Gregor Johann Mendel – Father of Genetics
- Genes and Genetic
- Definition: Genes
- Definition: Genetics
- Definition: Genome
- Heredity and Variation
- Inheritance in Humans
- Chromosomes - The Carriers of Heredity
- Discovery of Chromosomes
- Definition: Chromosomes
- Definition: Chromatin
- Definition: Centromere
- Definition: Chromatid
- Definition: Sister Chromatids
- Definition: Homologous Chromosomes
- Introduction
- Variation in Chromosome Number (ploidy)
- Structure of a Chromosome
- Key Points: Chromosomes
- Autosomes and Sex Chromosomes
- Sex Determination
- Genes and their Alleles
- Definition: Alleles
- Definition: Dominant Allele
- Definition: Recessive Allele
- Key Points: Genes and Alleles
- Genotype and Phenotype
- Definition: Genotype
- Definition: Phenotype
- Inheritance of Traits
- Sex-Linked Inheritance in Human Beings
- Mendel's Experiments on Inheritance
- Monohybrid Cross
- Dihybrid Cross
- Reasons for Mendel's Success
- Comparison of Behaviour of Mendel's Factors and Chromosomes
- Mendel's Laws > The Law of Dominance
- Mendel's Laws > The Law of Segregation (Law of Purity of Gametes)
- Mendel's Laws > The Law of Independent Assortment
- Punnett Square
- Exceptions to Mendel's Laws
- Applications and Beyond Mendel's Laws
- Mutations
2: Plant Physiology [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
4 Absorption by Roots [Revision]
- Plant Physiology
- Concept of Absorption by the Roots
- Need of Water and Minerals for Plants
- Key Points: Need of Water and Minerals in Plants
- Characteristics of Roots for Absorbing Water
- Key Points: Root Adaptations for Water Absorption
- Absorption and Conduction of Water and Minerals
- Active Transport
- Definition: Active Transport
- Active Transport
- Imbibition
- Definition: lmbibition
- Diffusion
- Definition: Diffusion
- Osmotic Pressure
- Definition: Osmotic Pressure
- Definition: Tonicity
- Passive Transport
- Definition: Passive Transport
- Turgidity and Flaccidity (Plasmolysis)
- Definition: Turgid
- Definition: Turgidity
- Definition: Turgor Pressure
- Definition: Wall Pressure
- Definition: Plasmolysis
- Definition: Flaccidity
- Uses of Turgidity to Plants
- Comparison of Diffusion, Osmosis and Active Transport
- Root Pressure
- Definition: Root Pressure
- Definition: Guttation
- Importance of Root Hairs and Upward Transport
- Experiments on Absorption and Conduction of Water in the Plants
- Experiment 1
- Experiment 2
- Experiment 3
- Experiment 4
- Forces Contributing to Ascent of Sap
5 Transpiration [Revision]
- Concept of Transpiration
- Definition: Transpiration
- Demonstration of Transpiration
- Measurement of Transpiration > Weighing Method
- Measurement of Transpiration > Potometer Method
- Types of Transpiration > Stomatal Transpiration
- Key Points: Stomatal Transpiration
- Types of Transpiration > Cuticular Transpiration
- Key Points: Cuticular Transpiration
- Types of Transpiration > Lenticular Transpiration
- Key Points: Lenticular Transpiration
- Mechanism of Transpiration
- Plant Adaptations to Reduce Transpiration
- Significance of Transpiration
- Drawbacks of Transpiration
- Transpiration and Water Cycle
- Factors Affecting the Rate of Transpiration
- Evaporation Vs Transpiration
- Guttation and Bleeding
- Key Points: Guttation and Bleeding
- Traspiration Vs Bleeding
- Traspiration Vs Guttation
6 Photosynthesis [Revision]
- Concept of Photosynthesis
- Definition: Photosynthesis
- Explanation
- Chlorophyll: The Vital Plant Pigment
- Key Points: Chlorophyll
- Regulation of Stomatal Opening for Carbon Dioxide Intake
- Key Points: Stomatal Function and Movement
- Opening and Closing of Stomata
- Key Points: Opening and Closing of Stomata (Theories)
- Process of Photosynthesis
- Chemical Equation: Photosynthesis
- Key Points: Process of Photosynthesis
- Light Reaction
- Definition: Photolysis
- Definition: Photophosphorylation
- Light-Independent Phase of Photosynthesis
- Definition: Polymerisation
- Adaptations in Leaves to Perform Photosynthesis
- Products of Photosynthesis
- Key Points: Products of Photosynthesis
- Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
- Experiments on Photosynthesis
- Significance of Photosynthesis
- Biogeochemical Cycles (Nutrient Cycles)
7 Chemical Coordination in Plants [Revision]
- Plant Hormones
- Definition: Stimuli
- Definition: Responses
- Definition: Hormones
- Definition: Phytohormones
- Overview of Plant Hormones and Roles
- Auxins
- Definition: Auxin
- Definition: Apical dominance
- Definition: Parthenocarpy
- Definition: Parthenocarpic Fruits
- Key Points: Auxins
- Gibberellins
- Definition: Gibberellin
- Key Points: Gibberellins
- Cytokinins
- Definition: Cytokinin
- Key Points: Cytokinins
- Ethylene
- Definition: Ethylene
- Key Points: Ethylene
- Abscisic Acid (ABA)
- Definition: Abscisic Acid (ABA)
- Key Points: Abscisic Acid (ABA)
- Tropic Movements in Plants
- Definition: Tropism
- Definition: Tropic
- Definition: Tropic Movements
- Phototropism
- Definition: Phototropism
- Definition: Positive Phototropism
- Definition: Negative Phototropism
- Geotropism
- Definition: Geotropism / Gravitropism
- Definition: Positive Geotropism
- Definition: Negative Geotropism
- Hydrotropism
- Definition: Hydrotropism
- Definition: Positive Hydrotropism
- Definition: Negative Hydrotropism
- Thigmotropism
- Definition: Thigmotropism
- Chemotropism
- Definition: Chemotropism
3: Human Anatomy and Physiology [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
8 Circulatory System [Revision]
- Need for Transport in the Body
- Key Points: Need for Transport Inside the Body
- Fluids in Our Body
- Definition: Closed Blood Circulatory System
- Definition: Open Blood Circulatory System
- Key Points: Fluids in Our Body
- Blood
- Functions of Blood
- Plasma (The Liquid Portion of Blood)
- Plasma
- Components of Plasma
- Function of Plasma
- Definition: Serum
- Erythrocytes vs Leukocytes vs Thrombocytes – A Comparative Overview
- Blood Circulatory System
- Blood Vessels Entering and Leaving The Heart
- Key Points: Blood Vessels Entering and Leaving the Heart
- Valves of the Heart
- Key Points: Valves of the Heart
- Circulation of Blood in the Heart (Functioning of Heart)
- Introduction
- Experiment
- Key Points: Circulation of Blood in the Heart
- Heart Beat
- Definition: Cardiac Cycle
- Heart Beat Rate
- Heart Beat Sounds
- Key Points: Heart Beat
- Pacemaker
- Key Points: Pacemaker
- Arteries Vs Veins
- Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation (Double Circulation)
- Definition: Double Circulation
- Key Points: Double Circulation
- Hepatic Portal System
- Definition: Hepatic Vein
- Key Points: Hepatic Portal System
- The Pulse
- Definition: Pulse
- Tissue Fluid (Or Intercellular Fluid)
- Definition: Tissue Fluid
- The Spleen
- Key Points: Spleen
9 Excretory System [Revision]
- Excretion
- Definition: Excretion
- Definition: Excretory System
- Introduction
- Experiment
- The Excretory Organs
- Key Points: Excretory Organs
- Kidney and Its Internal Structure
- Definition: Nephrons
- Definition: Papilla
- Key Points: Kidneys
- Structure of a Kidney Tubule (Nephrons)
- Definition: Bowman's Capsule
- Definition: Glomerulus
- Definition: Malpighian Capsule (Renal Capsule)
- Key Points: Structure and Function of a Nephron
- Function of the Kidney - “Production of Urine”
- Definition: Ultrafiltration
- Definition: Glomerular Filtrate
- Definition: Selective Absorption
- Definition: Tubular Secretion
- Afferent Arteriole Vs Efferent Arteriole
- Urine
- Definition: Urine
- Definition: Micturition
- Osmoregulation
- Definition: Osmoregulation
- Key Points: Osmoregulation
- Dialysis and Artificial Kidney
- Dialysis
- Definition: Dialysis
- Definition: Artificial Kidney
- Types of Dialysis
10 Nervous System [Revision]
- Human Nervous System
- Introduction
- Components of Nervous System
- Need of Nervous System
- Key Points: Human Nervous System
- Neural Tissue
- Transmission and Generation of Nerve Impulse
- Definition: Polarised State
- Definition: Sodium Pump
- Transmission and Generation of Nerve Impulse
- Synapse
- Definition: Synapse
- Kinds of Nerves
- Definition: Ganglia
- Types of Neurons
- Major Division of the Nervous System
- Nerves
- Definition: Nerve
- The Human Brain
- Definition: Meninges
- Definition: Meningitis
- Key Points: Human Brain
- Parts of the Brain > Cerebrum
- Definition: Cerebral Hemispheres
- Definition: Grey Matter
- Definition: White Matter
- Definition: Gyri
- Definition: Sulci
- Definition: Corpus Callosum
- Definition: Subconscious / Unconscious Mind
- Key Points: Cerebrum
- Parts of the Brain > Cerebellum
- Key Points: Cerebellum
- Parts of the Brain > Medulla Oblongata
- Key Points: Medulla Oblongata
- Primary Regions of the Brain
- The Spinal Cord
- Key Points: Spinal Cord
- Reflex Action
- Definition: Reflex Action
- Key Points: Reflex Action
- Involuntary Actions Vs Voluntary Actions
- Types of Reflexes
- Definition: Natural (Inborn) Reflex
- Definition: Conditioned (Acquired) Reflex
- Definition: Conditioned Reflex (alternate)
- Pavlov's Experiment on a Dog
- Reflexes in Humans
- Nervous Pathways in Reflexes
- Reflex Arc
- Definition: Reflex Arc
- Key Points: Reflex Arc
- Complex Reflex Action
11 Endocrine System [Revision]
- Human Endocrine System
- Definition: Endocrine System
- Hormonal Control Vs Nervous Control
- Concept of Hormone
- Definition: Hormone
- Key Points: Hormones
- General Properties of Hormones
- Human Endocrine Glands and Hormones
- Adrenal Gland (Suprarenal Gland)
- Key Points: Adrenal Glands
- Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
- Definition: Islets of Langerhans
- Introduction
- Function of Pancreas
- Key Points: Pancreas
- Thyroid Gland
- Key Points: Thyroid Gland
- Pituitary Gland or Hypophysis Gland
- Key Points: Pituitary Gland
- Adrenal Gland (Suprarenal Gland)
- Control of Hormonal Secretions
- Summary of Hormones and Their Actions
12 The Reproductive System [Revision]
- Reproduction
- Human Reproduction
- The Male Reproductive System
- The Female Reproductive System
- Role of Hormones in Reproduction
- Key Points: Role of Hormones in Reproduction
- Menstrual Cycle (Ovarian Cycle)
- Placenta (Growth) in Human
- Parturition (Birth) in Human
- Twins - Fraternal & Identical
- Definition: Identical Twins
- Definition: Monozygotic Twins
- Definition: Fraternal Twins
- Definition: Diovular Twins
- Definition: Dizygotic Twins
- Multiple Births: Triplets, Quadruplets, etc.
- Definition: Triplets
- Definition: Quadruplets
4: Population [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
13 Population [Revision]
- Rising Population - A Global Threat
- Key Points: Rising Population - A Global Threat
- World Population Through the Ages
- Key Points: World Population Through the Ages
- Rapid Rise in Population
- Key Points: Rapid Rise in Population
- Population Explosion- A Serious Global Concern
- Key Points: Population Explosion- A Serious Global Concern
- Simplified Model Of Population Growth
- Concept of Population in India
- Introduction
- Distribution of People
- Density
- Growth & Trends
- Characteristics of Population
- Real-Life Application
- Key Point Summary
- Factors Responsible For The Population Explosion In India
- Rising Population - Pressure on Natural Resources
- Key Points: Rising Population - Pressure on Natural Resources
- Definition: Resource
- Population Growth And Urbanisation: Pressure On Resources
- Key Points: Population Growth And Urbanisation-Pressure On Resources
- Need To Reduce Population Growth Rate
- Need For Adopting Control Measures
- Population Education And Population Control
5: Human Evolution [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
14 Human Evolution [Revision]
- Evolution
- Theories of Biological Evolution
- Definition: Natural Selection
- Definition: Survival of the Fittest
- Evidences of Evolution > Vestigial Organs
- Lamarck's Theory Vs Darwin's Theory
- Human Evolution
6: Pollution [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
15 Pollution [Revision]
- Waste
- Definition: Waste
- Pollution
- Definition: Pollution
- Definition: Pollutant
- Environmental Issues
- Noise Pollution
- Definition: Noise Pollution
- Introduction
- Noise Pollution
- Sources of Soil Pollution
- Sources of Noise Pollution
- Acid Rain
- Key Points: Acid Rain
- Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
- Key Points: Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
- Ozone Layer Depletion
- Key Points: Ozone Layer Depletion
- Effects on Human Health
- Control of Pollution
- Key Points: Control of Pollution
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement)
- Key Points: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Plastic Pollution
- Key Points: Plastic Pollution
7: Physical Health and Hygiene [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Biology Syllabus
7.1 Health Organisations [Revision]
- International Bodies: WHO (World Health Organisation)
- Common Health Problems in India
7.2 Aids to Health [Revision]
- First Aid and Emergency Action
- Antiseptics and Disinfectants
- Antiseptics
- Disinfectants
- Differences between antiseptics and disinfectants
- Antibiotics
