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ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26

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ICSE Syllabus for Class 10 English 2025-26 | FREE PDF Download

The ICSE Syllabus Class 10 English provides a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, and analytical skills. This syllabus emphasizes the appreciation of literature and mastery of language, essential for excelling in the Class 10 English examination and for effective communication in everyday life.


The syllabus is structured into two main papers: English Language and Literature in English. Students study grammar, composition, and comprehension, alongside prose, poetry, and drama, ensuring a well-rounded understanding. Vedantu offers guided insights to help you navigate these essential components and approach the ICSE English syllabus with greater confidence.

Download ICSE English Syllabus 2025-26

PAPER 2 - LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Duration: Two hours
Marks: 80

Candidates will be required to answer questions based on the prescribed textbooks, which include Drama, Prose (Short Stories), and Poetry.

Drama and Prose (Short Stories)

Questions set will be central to the text. Candidates will be required to show that they have understood the passage and are able to clearly respond in their own words.

Excerpts may be given from the drama and prose texts leading to questions.

Poetry

A poem, or lines from poems, will be given and questions will be set to test the candidates’ response. The questions will focus on the content, understanding, and the personal response of candidates to the entire poem as a whole.

SYLLABUS TO BE COVERED

Class IX

  1. DRAMA: Julius Caesar - William Shakespeare (Acts I & II)
  2. Treasure Chest: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems (Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi)
    • PROSE (Short Stories):
      1. Bonku Babu's Friend – Satyajit Ray
      2. Oliver Asks for More – Charles Dickens
      3. The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde
      4. Home-coming – Rabindranath Tagore
      5. The Boy who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond
    • POETRY:
      1. The Night Mail – W.H. Auden
      2. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat – T.S. Eliot
      3. I Remember, I Remember – Thomas Hood
      4. A Doctor’s Journal Entry for August 6, 1945 – Vikram Seth
      5. A Work of Artifice – Marge Piercy


Class X

  1. DRAMA: Julius Caesar: William Shakespeare (Acts III, IV & V)
  2. Treasure Chest: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems (Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd. New Delhi)
    • PROSE (Short Stories):
      1. With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock
      2. The Elevator – William Sleator
      3. The Girl Who Can – Ama Ata Aidoo
      4. The Pedestrian – Ray Bradbury
      5. The Last Lesson – Alphonse Daudet
    • POETRY:
      1. Haunted Houses – H.W. Longfellow
      2. The Glove and the Lions – Leigh Hunt
      3. When Great Trees fall – Maya Angelou
      4. A Considerable Speck – Robert Frost
      5. The Power of Music – Sukumar Ray


INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Paper 1 - English Language

  1. Schools will prepare, conduct and record assessments of the Listening and Speaking Skills of candidates as follows:

    • Class IX: Three assessments in the course of the year.
    • Class X: Two assessments in the course of the year.
  2. Pattern of Assessment

    • a) Listening Skills:
      • A passage of about 300 words is read aloud by the examiner twice, the first time at normal reading speed (about 110 words a minute) and the next time at a slower speed.
      • Candidates may make brief notes during the readings.
      • They then answer an objective type test based on the passage, on the paper provided.
      • The recommended number of candidates at a sitting is 30.
    • b) Speaking Skills:
      • Each candidate is required to make an oral presentation for about two minutes, which will be followed by a discussion on the subject with the examiners, for about three minutes.
      • Subjects for presentation may include narrating an experience, providing a description, giving directions how to make or operate something, expressing an opinion, giving a report, relating an anecdote or commenting on a current event.
      • A candidate may refer to brief notes in the course of the presentation but reading or excessive dependence on notes will be penalized.
      • It is recommended that candidates be given an hour for preparation of their subject for presentation and that they be given a choice of subject, on a common paper.

Evaluation

The assessment will be conducted jointly by the subject teacher and the external examiner who will each assess the candidate. (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the School who could be from the faculty but not teaching the subject in the section/class. For example, a teacher of English of Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X).

Award of Marks (20 Marks)

  • Listening Skills: 10 marks
  • Speaking Skills: 10 marks

The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the CISCE by the Head of the School.

The Head of the School will be responsible for the online entry of marks on the CISCE’s CAREERS portal by the due date. Schools are required to maintain a record of all assessments conducted in Listening and Speaking Skills for candidates of Classes IX and X. These include copies of the assessment tests, topics for presentation and marks awarded. The record will be maintained for a period of 2 months after the ICSE (10) examinations of the candidates concerned.

Paper 2 - Literature in English

Schools will set, assess and record written assignments by the candidates as given below:

  • Class IX: Two or three assignments of approximately 300 to 400 words each.
  • Class X: Two or three assignments of reasonable length (not exceeding 1500 words in total).

Suggested Assignments

Assignments should be based on the prescribed textbooks on the following lines:

  1. Character/thematic analysis;
  2. Socio-economic, cultural, historical relevance / background;
  3. Summary / paraphrase.
  4. Appreciation of literary qualities.
  5. Identifying with a character. Putting oneself in the place of a character in given circumstances and explaining one’s actions.
  6. Imagine alternative outcomes or endings in a literary piece and the effect on all concerned.
  7. Making a graphic representation of a scene/story/poem.
  8. Assume the persona of one of the characters (from the play/ poem/story) and record a diary entry of a particular incident/episode.

Evaluation

The assignments/projects are to be evaluated by the subject teacher and by an external examiner.
(The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the Head of the school, who could be from the faculty, but not teaching the subject in the section/class. For example, a teacher of English of Class VIII may be deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X, English projects.)

The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will assess the assignments independently.

Award of Marks (20 Marks):

  • Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner): 10 marks
  • External Examiner: 10 marks

The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the CISCE by the Head of the school.

The Head of the school will be responsible for the online entry of marks on the CISCE’s CAREERS portal by the due date.


INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - AURAL ASSIGNMENT (CLASSES IX & X)

Grade Understanding/Comprehension
Main Idea, Central Theme
Recall Vocabulary Context/Correlation to Other Areas Marks
I The candidate accurately understands the central idea of the passage as well as the relevant points in the selected passage/talk. The candidate recalls all the important points made (written/verbal). The candidate uses appropriate and correct vocabulary while recalling the points made. The candidate clearly understands the context and can widely correlate the passage to the other areas. 3
II The candidate gives ideas fairly close to the central / main idea of the passage as well as understands some of the relevant points heard in the selected passage/talk. The candidate recalls some of the important points made (written/verbal). The candidate uses correct but simple vocabulary while recalling the points made. The candidate can moderately understand the context of the passage and can moderately correlate the passage to the other areas. 2
III The candidate cannot fully comprehend the passage and gives only a few ideas related to the central theme of the passage. The candidate recalls very few of the important points made (written/verbal). The candidate makes various errors in vocabulary while recalling the points made. The candidate can only faintly understand the context of the passage and relate it to the other areas. 1
IV The candidate is neither able to understand the central/main idea of the passage; nor able to understand relevant points heard in the passage/talk. The candidate is unable to recall the important points made (written/verbal) The candidate uses incorrect vocabulary while recalling the points made. The candidate is unable to understand the context of the passage and is unable to correlate the passage to the other areas. 0

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - ORAL ASSIGNMENT (CLASSES IX & X)

Grade Fluency of Language Subject Matter Organization Vocabulary/Delivery Understanding Gesture Marks
I Speaks with fluency and has full operational command over the language. Matter is relevant, rich in content and original. Content is well sequenced and well organized. Uses appropriate vocabulary and pronounces words correctly. While speaking, the candidate emphasizes the important points. Uses natural and spontaneous gestures that are not out of place. 3
II The candidate speaks with fairly good fluency and has reasonable operational command of the language. The subject matter is mostly relevant, consisting of a few original ideas. The content is satisfactorily sequenced and well organized. The candidate pronounces most words correctly and uses simple vocabulary. While speaking, the candidate emphasizes most important points. Uses some natural gestures. 2
III The candidate speaks with poor fluency and does not communicate except for the most basic information. The subject matter is irrelevant and lacks originality. The subject content is very poor and lacks organisational structure. The candidate pronounces many words incorrectly and uses inappropriate vocabulary. While speaking, the candidate emphasizes some important points. Uses very few natural gestures. 1
IV The candidate cannot communicate even the most basic information. The subject matter is negligible. The subject content comprises of mere words with no structured sentences. The candidate is unable to correctly pronounce most words and has a limited vocabulary. While speaking, the candidate is unable to emphasize important points. Uses no natural gestures. 0

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES (CLASSES IX & X)

Grade Understanding of Text (Narrative) Examples from Text Understanding of Text - Interpretation and Evaluation Appreciation of Language, Characterization Critical Appreciation - Personal Response Marks
I The candidate demonstrates expertise in giving an appropriate account of the text, with well-chosen reference to narrative and situation. The account is suitably supported by relevant examples from the text. The candidate understands the text with due emphasis on interpretation and evaluation. The candidate appreciates and evaluates significant ways (structure, character, imagery) in which writers have achieved their effects. The candidate is able to effectively reflect personal response (critical appreciation) to the text. 4
II The candidate demonstrates a high level of competence in giving an account of the text, with appropriate references to the narrative and situation. The account is supported by examples from the text. The candidate understands text with some emphasis on interpretation and evaluation. The candidate appreciates and evaluates significant ways in which writers have achieved their effects. The candidate is able to reflect a personal response to the text. 3
III The candidate demonstrates competence in giving an account of the text with some reference to the narrative and situation. The candidate understands the text and shows a basic recognition of the theme and can support it by a few examples. The candidate recognizes some aspects of the text used by authors to present ideas. The candidate recognizes some of the significant ways in which the writers have used the language. The candidate is able to communicate a personal response, which shows appreciation. 2
IV The candidate gives a broad account of the text with reference to the narrative and situation. The candidate understands the basic meaning of the text. The candidate relates the text to other texts studied. The candidate recognizes differences in the way authors write. The candidate communicates a straightforward personal response to the text. 1
V The candidate is unable to demonstrate an understanding of the basic events in the text. The candidate is unable to understand the text or support it with any examples. The candidate is unable to relate the text to the other texts studied. The candidate is unable to recognize the differences in the way authors write. The candidate is unable to give a personal view of the text studied. 0

ICSE Class 10 – Literature in English Syllabus Overview

The ICSE Literature in English syllabus for Class 10 plays a pivotal role in strengthening students’ literary analysis and appreciation skills. Covering drama, prose, and poetry, this comprehensive curriculum ensures exposure to diverse genres, fostering critical thinking as students engage with classics like Julius Caesar and carefully curated modern texts.


A structured approach to internal assessment and detailed marking guidelines further aids exam preparation. Each major section—Drama, Prose, and Poetry—targets distinct skills, helping students formulate nuanced, well-supported responses in both classroom and examination settings for holistic literary development.

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FAQs on ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2025-26

1. What is the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26, and what does it cover?

The ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 includes all essential topics set by the ICSE board for the academic year. It covers two papers: English Language and English Literature. Students learn grammar, essay writing, letter writing, comprehension passages, drama, prose, and poetry. Vedantu offers the full chapter-wise breakdown with clear learning goals for easy understanding.

2. How can I download the updated ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 PDF from Vedantu?

Vedantu provides a free PDF of the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 for easy access. Students can directly download the latest, board-aligned syllabus including any revisions, chapter lists, and important changes. All topics and deleted sections are updated as per the ICSE council, ensuring you refer to the current syllabus for exams.

3. Which chapters and key topics are included in the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26?

The ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 covers:

  • English Language: Grammar, composition (essays, letters, emails), comprehension, and summary writing.
  • English Literature: Drama (usually Shakespeare or prescribed text), prose, and poetry selections.

Vedantu lists every chapter and topic for each section to help with exam planning and revision.

4. Are there any deleted or reduced topics in the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26?

For the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26, the Council has updated the syllabus to remove or reduce certain topics. Vedantu’s syllabus PDF highlights all deleted and reduced sections. Checking these changes ensures you only study relevant content for your board exams.

5. How should answers be structured to score well in ICSE Class X English exams as per the 2025–26 syllabus?

To score well in ICSE Class X English as per the 2025–26 syllabus, follow this answer structure on Vedantu:

  • Start with a direct introduction using the main idea.
  • Write clear, logically sequenced points.
  • Use examples for literature answers.
  • Stick to the word limit and include key terms from the syllabus.
  • Ensure neat handwriting and paragraph spacing.

6. What is the marking scheme for ICSE Class X English 2025–26 exams, and what tips can help score full marks?

The ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 follows a stepwise marking scheme with specific marks for grammar accuracy, content quality, structure, and creativity. To score full marks, use all syllabus keywords, avoid common mistakes, and practice using Vedantu’s solved samples and answer-writing guidance matched to the marking pattern.

7. How can I get exercise-wise and chapter-wise solutions for the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26?

Vedantu offers detailed, exercise-wise and chapter-wise solutions for the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26. These solutions include answers for textbook questions, grammar practice, comprehension, and literature analysis. You can access them online or download them as PDFs for offline study based on the latest ICSE updates.

8. Which topics in the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 are most important for board exams?

ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 students should focus on key grammar rules, all major comprehension types, essay and letter formats, and detailed study of prescribed poems, prose, and dramas. Vedantu highlights the most scoring topics in each section, so you know where to invest your revision time.

9. How do I revise the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 quickly and effectively?

For fast and smart revision of the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26, use Vedantu’s quick notes and structured plans:

  • Day 1: Revise grammar and practice writing tasks.
  • Day 3: Review all literature summaries and key questions.
  • Day 7: Attempt sample papers and review past mistakes.

This approach helps cover all topics before exams.

10. Are diagram or map questions included in the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26?

The ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 does not include diagrams or maps as part of the English subject. All focus is on written answers, comprehension, grammar, and literature. Vedantu recommends practice in neat writing for formatting but diagrams are not required for English exams.

11. Can previous year question papers based on the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 help in board exam preparation?

Practicing previous year question papers that follow the ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 gives you a clear idea of the exam pattern, question types, and marks distribution. Vedantu’s collection of such papers, updated for the current academic year, helps you check your readiness and improve your answering style.

12. (Freeform Narrative) How does Vedantu’s ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 resource make board exam preparation easier?

Imagine walking into your board exam fully confident, knowing exactly what to write and how to present every answer. With Vedantu’s ICSE Class X English syllabus 2025–26 resource, you get every chapter outlined, all important topics sorted, and full solutions ready at one place. No more last-minute searching—just focused learning, simple steps, and real exam support from a team that aligns every update exactly with the latest ICSE curriculum.