ICSE Class 9 History and Civics Syllabus 2024-25 Examinations

ICSE clearly mentions in its syllabus the aims of teaching History and Civics. These include:

• Since we live in a secular democracy, it is important to understand the workings of the Indian Government. This enables the youth to become responsible citizens who can contribute to the development of our nation.

• History may be considered a subject that is not relevant to us by many students. However, learning History has an undeniable significance in our lives. It helps us understand how contemporary India has come into being through various developments in our History. It helps us understand the story of our nation.

• It also helps the students understand the importance of cultures globally that have shaped the world as it is today.

• It awakens a sense of love for our nation and to those who have made significant contributions to our country to make it the big democracy that it is today.

Going through these aims must aid the students in approaching these subjects with a similar understanding. History and Civis should not be studied only for the sole purpose of passing the exam. They must be studied with the above-mentioned aims to help in the overall growth of a student’s knowledge, understanding, and intellect.

History and Civics Syllabus for Class 9 ICSE- Overview

Section A

Students must have an elementary knowledge of this topic without the verbatim study of the Constitutional Articles in detail.

1. Our Constitution

• Definition of Constitution – Date of adoption of the Indian constitution, its date of enforcement, and its significance. 

• Features- The principle of single citizenship, fundamental rights and fundamental duties (only the names), universal adult franchise, the meaning of directive principles of state policy and the meaning of a welfare state.

2. Elections

• Meaning; Composition of Election Commission (in brief)

• Direct and Indirect election

• General election

• Mid-term election and By-election.

3. Local Self Government

• Rural- The three-tier system of Panchayati Raj and their functions (four only): Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad 

• Urban- Municipal Committees and Municipal Corporations and their functions (any four ).

Section B

1. The Harappan Civilisation

• Sources- Citadel, Great Bath, bearded man, seals, dancing girl, dockyard, script.

• Urban planning

• The decline of the Harappan civilization.

2. The Vedic Period

• Sources- Vedas and Epics (brief description)

• A concise comparative study of the early and later Vedic society.

3. Jainism and Buddhism

• The causes that led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in the 6th century B.C. 

• Doctrines

4. The Mauryan Empire

• Sources- Arthashastra, Indika, Ashokan Edicts, Sanchi Stupa.

• Administration (Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka)

• Ashoka’s Dhamma.

5. The Sangam Age

• Meaning of Sangam

• Sources- Tirukkural (in brief).

6. The Age of the Guptas

• Sources- Account of Fa-Hien

• Allahabad Pillar Inscription

• Contribution of this dynasty to the fields of education (Nalanda University), culture (the works of Kalidasa, Deogarh temple, etc), and to science (Aryabhatta)

7. Medieval India

(a) The Cholas

• Sources- Inscriptions; Brihadishwara Temple

• Administration (Rajaraja I, Rajendra I).

(b) The Delhi Sultanate

• Qutub Minar.

• The political history of the sultanate and its administration (focus on Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq).

(c) The Mughal Empire

• Sources- Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal, Ain-i-Akbari, and Red Fort.

• Political history and administration (Akbar)

8. The Modern Age in Europe

(a) Renaissance 

• Definition

• The causes that led to the renaissance (the invention of the printing press, new trade routes, etc) and its impact on art, literature, and science (Copernicus, Leonardo Da Vinci, and William Shakespeare).

(b) Reformation 

• Meaning of Reformation

• Dissatisfaction with the practices of the Catholic Church, Counter-Reformation. (meaning only).

(c) Industrial Revolution 

• Definition of the term

• Socialism and Capitalism – meaning only.

ICSE Class 9 History and Civics Internal Assessment Criteria

Along with important details regarding the written exam, ICSE Class 9 History and Civics Syllabus also mentions in great detail the criteria for the internal assignment as well as suggested assignments for the subjects. 

The internal assessment carries a total of 20 marks. 10 marks are awarded by the respective subject teachers whereas the remaining 10 marks are awarded by an external examiner. The Subject teacher of History and Civics and the External Examiner will assess the assignments independently. 

For both History and Civics, one suggested assignment will be required to be done by the students as per the given syllabus. The assessment by the subject teacher and the external examiner will then be sent to the Council by the Head of the school. 

A detailed list of the suggested assignments is provided in the syllabus. 

Align with these important details, a table is provided mentioning the significant marking guidelines. Students are advised to go through these guidelines with a keen eye to understand the marking scheme. Knowing on what criteria the assignments will be graded, students can prepare the assignments well.