CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus - Free PDF Download
CISCE Syllabus 2026-27 ICSE Class 10 : The CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics 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 Physics 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 Physics Syllabus for 2026-27 is below.
Academic year:
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Revised Syllabus
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Course Structure 2026-27 With Marking Scheme
| # | Unit/Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Force, Work, Power and Energy | |
| 1 | Force | |
| 2 | Work, Energy and Power | |
| 3 | Machines | |
| 2 | Light | |
| 4 | Refraction of Light at Plane Surfaces | |
| 5 | Refraction Through a Lens | |
| 6 | Spectrum | |
| 3 | Sound | |
| 7 | Sound | |
| 4 | Electricity and Magnetism | |
| 8 | Current Electricity | |
| 9 | Household Circuits | |
| 10 | Electro-Magnetism | |
| 5 | Heat | |
| 11 | Calorimetry | |
| 6 | Modern Physics | |
| 12 | Radioactivity | |
| Total | - |
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Syllabus
1: Force, Work, Power and Energy [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
1 Force [Revision]
- Force
- Definition: Force
- Formula: Force
- Key Points: Force
- Translational and Rotational Motions
- Definition: Transitional Motion
- Definition: Rotational Motion
- Moment (Turning Effect) of a Force or Torque
- Definition: Torque
- Formula: Torque or Moment of Force
- Key Points: Moment (Turning Effect) of a Force or Torque
- Couple
- Definition: Couple
- Definition: Couple Arm
- Formula: Moment of Couple
- Equilibrium of Bodies
- Definition: State of Equilibrium
- Key Points: Equilibrium of Bodies
- Static Equilibrium
- Definition: Static Equilibrium
- Dynamic Equilibrium
- Definition: Dynamic Equilibrium
- Principle of Moments
- Law: Principle of Moments
- Centre of Gravity
- Definition: Centre of Gravity
- Key Points: Centre of Gravity
- Uniform Circular Motion (UCM)
- Definition: Uniform Circular Motion
- Centripetal Force
- Definition: Centripetal Force
- Centrifugal Forces
- Definition: Centrifugal Force
- Definition: Fictitious Force
- Key Points: Centrifugal Force
2 Work, Energy and Power [Revision]
- Concept of Work
- Definition: Work
- Key Points: Units of Work
- Measurement of Work
- Definition: Measurement of Work
- Key Points: Measurement of Work
- Expression for Work (W = F S cosθ)
- Formula: Work Done by a Force at an Angle
- Work Done by the Force of Gravity (W = mgh)
- Formula: Work Done by the Force of Gravity (W = mgh)
- Concept of Power
- Definition: Power
- Formula: Power
- Key Points: Power
- Work vs Power
- Concept of Energy
- Definition: Energy
- Key Points: Energy
- Energy vs Power
- Mechanical Energy > Potential Energy (U)
- Definition: Mechanical Energy
- Definition: Potential Energy
- Formula: Gravitational Potential Energy
- Key Points: Potential Energy
- Mechanical Energy > Kinetic Energy (K)
- Definition: Kinetic Energy
- Formula: Kinetic Energy
- Definition: Translational Motion
- Definition: Translational Kinetic Energy
- Definition: Rotational Motion
- Definition: Rotational Kinetic Motion
- Definition: Vibrational Motion
- Definition: Vibrational Kinetic Energy
- Potential vs Kinetic Energy
- Conversion of Potential Energy into Kinetic Energy
- Forms of Energy > Solar Energy
- Definition: Solar Energy
- Forms of Energy > Heat Energy
- Definition: Heat Energy
- Forms of Energy > Light Energy
- Definition: Light Energy
- Forms of Energy > Chemical Energy
- Definition: Chemical Energy
- Forms of Energy > Hydro Energy
- Definition: Hydro Energy
- Forms of Energy > Electrical Energy
- Definition: Electrical Energy
- Forms of Energy > Nuclear Energy
- Forms of Energy > Geo Thermal Energy
- Definition: Geo Thermal Energy
- Forms of Energy > Wind Energy
- Definition: Wind Energy
- Forms of Energy > Sound Energy
- Definition: Sound Energy
- Forms of Energy > Magnetic Energy
- Definition: Magnetic Energy
- Forms of Energy > Mechanical Energy
- Definition: Mechanical Energy
- Conversion of Energies
- Key Points: Conversion of Energies
- Principle of Conservation of Energy
- Definition: Principle of Conservation of Energy
- Proof: Kinetic + Potential Energy = Constant for Free Fall
- Theorem: Conservation of Energy in Free Fall
- Application of the Principle of Conservation of Energy
3 Machines [Revision]
- Concept of Machines
- Definition: Machine
- Key Points: Machines
- Technical Terms Related to a Machine
- Definition: Load
- Definition: Effort
- Definition: Mechanical Advantage
- Formula: Mechanical Advantage
- Definition: Velocity Ratio
- Formula: Velocity Ratio
- Definition: Work Input
- Definition: Work Output
- Definition: Efficiency
- Formula: Efficiency
- Principle of a Machine
- Definition: Effort Point
- Definition: Load Point
- Formula: Input Energy
- Formula: Output Energy
- Key Point: Principle of a Machine
- Efficiency, Mechanical Advantage, and Velocity Ratio
- Levers
- Definition: Levers
- Key Points: Levers
- Types of Levers
- Key Points: Types of Levers
- Pulley
- Key Points: Pulley
- Single Fixed Pulley
- Definition: Single Fixed Pulley
- Key Points: Single Fixed Pulley
- A Single Movable Pulley
- Definition: A Single Movable Pulley
- Key Points: A Single Movable Pulley
- Single Pulley vs Single Movable Pulley
- Combination of Pulleys
- Key Points: Combination of Pulleys
- Using one fixed pulley and other movable pulleys
- Key Points: Using one fixed Pulley and other Movable Pulleys
- Using several pulleys in two blocks (block and tackle system)
- Key Points: Using several pulleys in two blocks (block and tackle system)
2: Light [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
4 Refraction of Light at Plane Surfaces [Revision]
- Light: Reflection and Refraction
- Definition: Reflection of Light
- Refraction of Light
- Laws of Refraction
- Key Points: Laws of Refraction
- Speed of Light in Different Media
- Definition: Refractive Index of a Medium
- Key Points: Speed of Light in Different Media
- Principle of Reversibility of the Path of Light
- Refraction Laws & Glass Index
- Key Points: Refraction Laws & Glass Index
- Refraction of Light Through a Rectangular Glass Block
- Definition: Lateral Displacement
- Key Points: Refraction of Light Through a Rectangular Glass Block
- Multiple Images in a Thick Mirror
- Key Points: Multiple Images in a Thick Mirror
- Prism
- Definition: Prism
- Refraction of Light Through a Prism
- Real and Apparent Depth
- Key Points: Real and Apparent Depth
- Apparent Bending of a Stick Under Water
- Consequences of Refraction of Light
- Key Points: Consequences of Refraction of Light
- Transmission of Light From a Denser Medium to a Rarer Medium
- Key Points: Transmission of Light From a Denser Medium to a Rarer Medium
- Critical Angle
- Definition: Critical Angle
- Relationship between Critical Angle and Refractive Index
- Definition: Relationship between Critical Angle and Refractive Index
- Total Internal Reflection
- Total Internal Reflection in a Prism
- Total Internal Reflection Through a Right-Angled Isosceles Prism
- Definition: Total Reflecting Prism
- Key Points: Total Internal Reflection Through a Right-Angled Isosceles Prism
- Total Internal Reflection Through an Equilateral Prism
- Total Internal Reflection Through Right-angled prism
- Key Points: Total Internal Reflecting Through Right Angled Prism
- Total Internal Reflection Through a Right-Angled Isosceles Prism
- Use of a Total Internal Reflecting Prism in Place of a Plane Mirror
- Key Points: Using Prisms Instead of Plane Mirrors
- Total Internal Reflection vs Reflecting from a Plane Mirror
- Consequences of Total Internal Refraction
- Key Points: Consequences of Total Internal Reflection
5 Refraction Through a Lens [Revision]
- Concept of Lenses
- Definition: Lens
- Definition: Converging Lens or Convex Lens
- Definition: Diverging Lens or Concave Lens
- Key Points: Concepts of Lenses
- Definition: Centre of Curvature
- Definition: Radius of Curvature
- Definition: Principal Axis
- Definition: Optical Centre
- Definition: Principal Focus
- Definition: Focal Length
- Action of a Lens as a Set of Prisms
- Key Points: Action of a Lens as a Set of Prisms
- Technical Terms Related to a Lens
- Definition: Centre of Curvature
- Definition: Radius of Curvature
- Definition: Principal Axis
- Definition: Optic Centre
- Definition: First Focal Point for Convex Lens
- Definition: First Focal Point for Concave Lens
- Definition: Second Focal Point for Convex Lens
- Definition: Second Focal Point for Concave Lens
- Definition: Focal Plane
- Definition: First Focal Plane
- Definition: Second Focal Plane
- Definition: Focal Length of a Lens
- Definition: First Focal Length
- Definition: Second Focal Length
- Refraction of Light Through an Equi-Convex Lens and an Equi-Concave Lens
- Principal Rays for Ray Diagrams
- Key Points: Principal Rays for Ray Diagrams
- Real Image vs Virtual Image
- Construction of a Ray Diagram for a Lens
- Key Points: Construction of a Ray Diagram for a Lens
- Images Formed by Convex Lenses
- Key Points: Characteristics and Location of Images for a Convex Lens
- Images Formed by Concave Lenses
- Key Point: Characteristics and Location of Images for a Concave Lens
- Sign Convention
- Key Points: Sign Convention
- Lens Formula
- Formula: lens Formula
- Formula: Lens Magnification
- Linear Magnification
- Definition: Linear Magnification
- Formula: Linear Magnification
- Power of a Lens
- Magnifying Glass Or Simple Microscope
- Key Points: Magnifying Glass or Simple Microscope
- Application of Lenses
- Key Points: Application of Lenses
- Experimental Determination of Focal Length of Convex Lens
- Key Points: Experimental Determination of Focal Length of Convex Lens
- Convex Lens vs Concave Lens
6 Spectrum [Revision]
- Deviation Produced by a Triangular Prism
- Key Points: Deviation Produced by a Triangular Prism
- Colour in White Light with Their Wavelength and Frequency Range
- Key Points: Colour in White Light with Their Wavelength and Frequency Range
- Dispersion of Light
- Definition: Dispersion
- Definition: Spectrum
- Key Points: Dispersion of Light
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Properties and Uses of Different Radiations of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Key Points: Properties and Uses of Different Radiations of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Distinction between Ultraviolet, Visible, and Infrared Radiations
- Scattering of Light
- Definition: Scattering of Light
- Key Points: Scattering of Light
- Applications of Scattering of Light
- Key Points: Applications of Scattering of Light
3: Sound [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
7 Sound [Revision]
- Sound Waves
- Definition: Audible Range of Frequency
- Definition: Ultrasonic
- Definition: Infrasonic
- Definition: Amplitude of the Wave
- Definition: Time Period of the Wave
- Definition: Frequency of the Wave
- Definition: Wavelength
- Definition: Wave Velocity
- Definition: Longitudinal Wave
- Definition: Transverse Wave
- Light Waves vs Sound Waves
- Reflection of Sound Waves
- Definition: Reflection of Sound Waves
- Echo
- Definition: Echo
- Determination of Speed of Sound by the Method of Echo
- Formula: Speed of Sound using Echo
- Use of Echoes
- Key Points: Use of Echoes
- Natural Vibrations
- Definition: Natural Vibrations
- Definition: Natural Period
- Definition: Natural Frequency
- Damped Vibrations
- Definition: Damped Vibrations
- Natural Vibrations vs Damped Vibrations
- Forced Vibrations
- Definition: Forced Vibrations
- Natural Vibrations vs Forced Vibrations
- Resonance (a special case of forced vibrations)
- Definition: Resonance
- Definition: Resonant Vibrations
- Demonstration of Resonance
- Key Points: Demonstration of Resonance
- Examples of Resonance
- Forced Vibrations vs Resonant Vibrations
- Characteristics of Sound
- Loudness and Intensity
- Definition: Loudness
- Key Points: Loudness and Intensity
- Pitch and frequency
- Definition: Pitch
- Quality and Wave Form
- Quality or Timbre
- Loudness and Intensity
- Music and Noise
- Definition: Music
- Definition: Noise
4: Electricity and Magnetism [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
8 Current Electricity [Revision]
- Electric Charge
- Electric Current
- Potential and Potential Difference
- Introduction
- Definition: Potential at a Point
- Definition: Potential Difference
- Formula: Electric Potential at a Point
- Formula: Potential Difference
- SI units & Analysis
- Key Points: Potential and Potential Difference
- Resistance
- Definition: Electric Resistance
- Key Points: Electric Resistance
- Units and Dimensions
- Electric Conductance
- Ohm's Law
- Ohmic and Non-ohmic Resistors
- Definition: Ohmic Resistors
- Definition: Non-Ohmic Resistors
- Ohmic and Non-ohmic Resistors
- Experimental Verification of Ohm’s Law and Ohmic Resistors
- Derivation
- Specific Resistance or Electrical Resistivity
- Definition: Specific Resistance
- Derivation
- Dimensions of Electrical Resistivity ρ
- Electrical Resistivity in Terms of Material's Parameters
- Specific Conductance
- Choice of Material of a Wire
- Superconductors
- Definition: Superconductor
- Electro-Motive Force of a Cell
- Definition: Electro-Motive Force
- Definition: The e.m.f. Cell
- Terminal Voltage of a Cell
- Definition: Terminal Voltage of a Cell
- Definition: The Terminal of the Cell
- Formula: Voltage Drop in the Cell
- Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Definition: Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Formula: Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Resistance of a System of Resistors
- Resistors in Series
- Key Points: Series Combination of Resistors
- Resistors in Parallel
- Key Points: Parallel Combination of Resistors
- Resistors in Series
- Forms of Energy > Electrical Energy
- Definition: Electrical Energy
- Measurement of Electrical Energy
- Key Points: Measurement of Electric Energy
- Electrical Power
- Definition: Electric Power
- Formula: Electric Power
- Key Points: Electric Power
- Commercial Unit of Electrical Energy
- Key Points: Commercial Units of Electrical Energy
- Power Rating of Common Electrical Appliances
- Formula: Resistance of an Electrical Appliance
- Household Consumption of Electric Energy
- Definition: Household Consumption
- Formula: Energy Consumed
- Formula: Cost of Electricity
- Heating Effect of Electric Current
- Definition: Heating Effect of Electric Current
- Key Points: Heating Effect of Electric Current
9 Household Circuits [Revision]
- Transmission of Power from the Power Generating Station to the Consumer
- Introduction
- Explanation
- Power Distribution to a House
- Introduction
- Explanation
- House Wiring (Ring System)
- Introduction
- Advantages of the Ring System
- Connection of all Appliances (bulb, fan, socket, etc.) with the Mains
- Advantages of Connecting the Appliances in Parallel
- Disadvantages of Connecting the Appliances in Series
- Fuse
- Introduction
- Principle
- Material of a Fuse
- Construction
- Working
- Reason for connecting the fuse in the live wire
- Explanation
- Current Rating of a Fuse
- Introduction
- Table: Current Rating of Fuse
- MCB
- Switches
- Single Pole Switch
- Double Pole Switch
- Reason for Connecting the Switch in the Live Wire
- Safety Precautions While Using a Switch
- Circuits with Dual Control Switches (Staircase Wire)
- Introduction
- Explanation
- Earthing
- Local Earthing
- Earthing of an Appliance
- Safety by Earthing of an Appliance
- Three-pin Plug and Socket
- Three-pin plug
- Socket
- Safety precautions for plug and socket
- Colour Coding of Wires in a Cable
- High Tension Wires
- Introdcution
- Definition: High Tension Wire
- Precautions to Be Taken While Using Electricity
10 Electro-Magnetism [Revision]
- Oersted's Experiment
- Introduction
- Experiment
- Observations
- Explanation
- Inference
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field due to a Finite Straight Current-Carrying Wire
- Introduction
- Expertiment
- Activity 1
- Activity 2
- Right-hand Thumb Rule
- Definition: Right Hand Thumb Rule
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field at the Centre of a Circular Loop
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Long Straight Solenoid
- Definition: Solenoid
- Electromagnet
- Introduction
- Michael Faraday: A Pioneer in Electromagnetism
- Experiment
- Construction of an I-Shaped Electromagnet
- Construction of a U-Shaped Electromagnet
- Ways of Increasing the Magnetic Field of an Electromagnet
- Permanent Magnet
- Comparison of an Electro Magnet with a Permanent Magnet
- Advantages of an Electromagnet over a Permanent Magnet
- Uses of Electromagnet
- Common Uses of Electromagnets
- Use of an Electromagnet in an Electric bell
- Working and Function of Each Part
- Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- Key Points: Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- Simple D.C. Motor
- Principle
- Construction and Its Main Parts
- Working
- Ways of Increasing the Speed of Rotation of the Coil
- Function of Split Ring Commutator
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Demonstration of the Phenomenon of Electromagnetic Induction
- Experiment
- Observations
- Conclusions
- Faraday's Explanation
- Introduction
- Energy Transformation
- Demonstration of the Phenomenon of Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- A.C. Generator
- Frequency of an a.c. in Household Supplies
- Difference between the d.c. and a.c.
- Table: Distinction between D.C. and A.C.
- Advantages of A.C. Over D.C.
- Comparison Between A.C. Generator and D.C. Motor
- Table
- Similarities between an A.C. Generator and a D.C. Motor
- Transformers
5: Heat [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
11 Calorimetry [Revision]
- Heat
- Introduction
- Units of Heat
- The Temperature and a Thermometer
- Introduction
- Unit of Temperature
- Experiment: 1
- Experiment: 2
- Factors Affecting the Quantity of Heat Absorbed to Increase the Temperature of a Body
- Heat vs Temperature
- Thermal or Heat Capacity
- Specific Heat Capacity
- Definition: Specific Heat Capacity
- Formula: Specific Heat Capacity
- Key Points: Specific Heat Capacity
- Heat Capacity vs Specific Heat Capacity
- Specific Heat Capacity of Some Common Substances
- Calorimetry
- Introduction
- Definition: Calorimetry
- Definition: Calorimeter
- Calorimeter
- The Principle of Calorimetry
- Experiment: Method of Mixtures
- Derivation of the Calorimetry Equation
- Example
- Key Points: Calorimetry
- Principle of Method of Mixtures or Principle of Calorimetry
- Introduction
- Mathematical Statement
- Natural Phenomena and Consequences of High Specific Heat Capacity of Water
- Examples of High and Low Heat Capacity
- Change of State
- Introduction
- Definition: Change of State
- The Six Types of Phase Changes
- Practical Applications
- Key Points: Practical Applications of State
- Melting and Freezing
- Definition: Melting
- Definition: Melting Point
- Example
- Experiment: Heating Curve of Ice During Melting
- Melting Point and Its Effects
- Change in Volume on Melting
- Effect of Pressure on the Melting Point
- Effect of Impurities on the Melting Point
- Vaporisation or Boiling
- Definition: Vaporisation
- Definition: Boiling Point
- Example
- Changes in States of Water
- Experiment: Heating Curve for Water
- Boiling Point and Its Effects
- Change in Volume on Boiling
- Effect of Pressure on the Boiling Point
- Effect of Impurities on the Boiling Point
- Latent Heat
- Introduction
- Definition: Latent Heat
- Definition: Latent Heat of Fusion
- Definition: Latent Heat of Vaporization
- Formula: Latent Heat
- Experiment
- Reference Data Table
- Example
- Key Points: Latent Heat
- Specific Latent Heat of Fusion of Ice
- Introduction
- Table
- Explanation of Latent Heat of Melting based on Kinetic Model
- Natural Consequences of High Specific Latent Heat of Fusion of Ice
6: Modern Physics [Revision]
CISCE ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus
12 Radioactivity [Revision]
- Structure of the Atom and Nucleus
- Atomic Models
- Introduction
- Examples
- Isotopes
- Definition: Isotopes
- Examples
- Isobars
- Definition: Isobars
- Examples
- Isotones
- Definition: Isotones
- Radioactivity
- Radioactivity as emission of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Radiations
- Explanation
- Properties of Alpha Particles
- Properties of Beta Particles
- Properties of Gamma Radiations
- Distinction between the Properties of α, β, and γ Radiations
- Changes Within the Nucleus in Alpha, Beta and Gamma Emission
- Introduction
- Alpha Emission
- Beta Emission
- Gamma Emission
- Examples
- Uses of Radioactive Isotopes
- Introduction
- Medical Use
- Scientific Use
- Industrial Use
- Sources of Harmful Radiations
- Radioactive Fallout from the Nuclear Power Plants
- Nuclear Waste
- Other Sources, such as Cosmic Radiation and X-rays
- Harmful Effects of Radiation
- Hazards
- The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster: Impact and Consequences
- Safety Precautions While Using Nuclear Energy
- Introduction
- Safety Measures while Establishing a Nuclear Power Plant
- Safety Measures while Handling Radioactive Materials
- Safety Measures in Safe Disposal of Nuclear Waste
- Background Radiations
- Forms of Energy > Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear Fission
- Radioactive Decay Vs Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
- Difference between Nuclear Fusion and Neclear Fission
