ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27 | New Syllabus PDF Download

CISCE revised the syllabus for Chemistry Class 10 ICSE for academic session 2026-27 along with all the other subjects. The updated syllabus continues to focus on building strong conceptual understanding and analytical thinking among students.

It covers key areas such as chemical bonding, mole concept, organic chemistry, metallurgy and study of compounds, to ensure a balanced mix of theory and numericals. 

Download ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Syllabus (2026-27)

<cta2>Download<cta2>

With a structured exam pattern and emphasis on reasoning-based questions, the ICSE Class 10 Chemistry syllabus 2026-27 is designed to help students develop clarity in concepts while preparing effectively for board examinations.

ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Syllabus 2026 Overview 

The Class 10 Chemistry syllabus for the academic session 2026-27 (Part of Group II) continues to include major units such as Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding, Acids, Bases and Salts, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Metallurgy and Mole Concept. 

The theory part carries 80 marks, and practical/internal assessment carries 20 marks, making Chemistry a subject where strong concepts and regular practice can significantly boost overall scores.

Key Highlights for 2026-27

Following are some major highlights of ICS Syllabus class 10 Chemistry:

• 80 marks theory paper (2 hours) + 20 marks Internal Assessment
• Mix of numericals, equations, reasoning & observation-based questions
• Project: 10 marks (school teacher) + 10 marks (external examiner)
• Environmental impact of chemistry integrated throughout
• Same 9 chapters - no deletions, only minor refinements

ICSE Class 10 Chemistry 2026 - Unit-wise Marks Distribution 

The table below clearly depicts the marks distribution across theory and practical assessment.

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Sub-Units Covered Under the Chapters 

The chapters given in Class 10 ICSE Chemistry syllabus are further divided into sub-units. In the updated Class 10 Chemistry syllabus for 2026-27, some additions in the sub-units have been seen and are clearly mentioned in the pointers below.

1. Periodic Properties and variations of Properties – Physical and Chemical

• Periodic properties & trends (atomic size, metallic/non-metallic character, ionisation potential, electron affinity, electronegativity)
• Periodicity on basis of atomic number
• <green>Study of modern periodic table up to period 4 (till Calcium)<green>

2. Chemical Bonding

• Electrovalent bonding (NaCl, MgCl₂, CaO) + properties
• Covalent bonding (electron dot structures)
• <green>Non-polar covalent compounds (examples: H₂, Cl₂, O₂, N₂, CCl₄, CH₄)<green>
• Polar covalent compounds: HCl, H₂O, <green>NH₃<green>
• Coordinate bonding (H₃O⁺, NH₄⁺)

3. Study of Acids, Bases and Salts

• Definitions, ions, indicators & pH scale
• <green>Common indicators: litmus, methyl orange and phenolphthalein<green>
• Types of salts
• Normal, acid, basic, <green>complex salts<green>
• Action of dilute acids on salts
• <green>Hydrogen sulphites added<green>
• Preparation methods of normal salts

4. Analytical Chemistry

• Action of NaOH & NH₄OH on salts of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb
• Amphoteric nature of Al, Zn, Pb

5. Mole Concept and Stoichiometry

• Gay-Lussac’s & Avogadro’s Law, molar volume
• Vapour density & molecular mass
• Empirical/molecular formula
• Mole-mass-volume calculations
• Stoichiometry calculations

6. Electrolysis

• Electrolytes, non-electrolytes, selective discharge
• Examples: molten PbBr₂, acidified water, aqueous CuSO₄
• <green>Aqueous CuSO₄ with copper & platinum electrodes<green>
• Applications: electroplating & electro-refining of Cu
• <green>Specific electrolytes: nickel sulphate & sodium argentocyanide<green>

7. Metallurgy

• Occurrence of metals
• <green>Mineral & ore - meaning and definition<green>
• Stages: pulverisation & dressing, conversion to oxide, reduction
• <green>Pulverization and dressing of ore<green>
• Extraction of Al (Baeyer’s + Hall-Heroult)
• <green>Alloy and Amalgam<green>
• Composition and uses of Stainless steel, <green>magnalium<green>, duralumin, brass, bronze, fuse metal / solder.

8. Study of Compounds

A. Hydrogen Chloride

• Lab prep, fountain experiment, acidic properties
• <green>Aqua regia composition & uses<green>
• <green>Tests for HCl gas & hydrochloric acid<green>

B. Ammonia

• Lab prep, Haber’s process, fountain experiment
• Reactions with HCl, CuO, Cl₂, burning in O₂
• <green>Reaction with lead (IV) oxide<green>
• <green>Tests for ammonia<green>

C. Nitric Acid

• Lab prep, Ostwald process, oxidising agent
• <green>Acidic properties (with Mg, Mn, oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, etc.)<green>
• <green>Test for nitric acid<green>

D. Sulphuric Acid

• Contact process, dilute & conc. behaviour
• <green>Sulphuric acid as dibasic acid<green>
• Oxidising & dehydrating properties
• <green>Tests for sulphuric acid<green>

9. Organic Chemistry

• Unique nature of carbon, bonds, isomerism, homologous series
• Simple nomenclature
• <green>Halides, ketone, ether & ester added<green>
• Hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes up to C₅)
• <green>Complete & incomplete combustion of methane & ethane<green>
• Alcohols (ethanol)
• <green>Methylated alcohol or spirit<green>
• Carboxylic acids (acetic acid)

Internal Assessment (Practicals)

• Action of heat on carbonates/nitrates
• NaOH/ NH₄OH tests on unknown salts
• Acid-base identification
• Conc. HCl on oxides (No new experiments; Ca²⁺ removed from ion list)

Note: For ICSE Class 10 Chemistry syllabus 2026-27, no topics have been officially deleted by CISCE.

How to Prepare for ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Exams

Preparing for ICSE Class 10 Chemistry 2026-27 requires a smart mix of concept clarity, regular practice and strong revision habits. Here’s a focused strategy based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern:

1. Build Strong Concepts First

Start with core chapters like Chemical Bonding, Mole Concept and Organic Chemistry. Make sure you understand concepts instead of memorising them, as the exam focuses on reasoning and application.

2. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics

Give extra attention to Organic Chemistry, Study of Compounds and Mole Concept numericals, as these areas carry significant marks.

3. Master Chemical Equations

Focus on writing balanced equations with correct conditions. This is crucial for chapters like Acids, Bases and Salts and Study of Compounds.

4. Focus on Observation-Based Learning

For Analytical Chemistry and practicals, practice writing clear observations and inferences, as this directly impacts internal assessment marks.

5. Solve Previous Year Papers

Practice past 5–10 years’ papers to understand question patterns, frequently asked topics and time management.

6. Revise Regularly Using Short Notes

Prepare quick revision notes for reactions, formulas and definitions. Revise them frequently to improve retention.

7. Don’t Ignore Practical Work

Practical exams carry 20 marks, so be thorough with experiments, gas tests and salt analysis.

8. Follow the Exam Pattern Strategy

Attempt Section A carefully (compulsory) and choose the most confident questions in Section B to maximize scores.

FAQs

Q1. Is the Class 10 syllabus for Chemistry changed in 2026-27?

Ans. No major changes have been made in the ICSE Class 10 Chemistry syllabus 2026-27. The structure remains the same with only minor refinements in sub-topics.

Q2. Which is the hardest chapter in Class 10 ICSE Chemistry for 2026-27?

Ans. Mole Concept and Organic Chemistry are often considered challenging due to numericals and reactions. However, with practice, they become scoring areas.

Q3. When will the Class 10 ICSE Chemistry syllabus for the new academic session be released?

Ans. The syllabus for ICSE Class 10 Chemistry has already been released for the new session and students can check the official website to download the syllabus. 

Q4. Is the ICSE Chemistry syllabus different from CBSE Chemistry syllabus for Class 10?

Ans. Yes, ICSE focuses more on detailed concepts, practical application and analytical questions. CBSE is relatively more concise.

Q5. How many chapters are there in ICSE Class 10 Chemistry syllabus 2026-27?

Ans. There are 9 main chapters covering physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. All chapters are important for the board exam.